California, USA – Costco Wholesale boasts the distinction of having the two largest solar energy installations in Hawaii, a state that could become a major player in tomorrow’s renewable energy market.

REC Solar and Mitsubishi Electric announced Wednesday the completion of the solar installations at Costco locations in Kauai and Kona. REC also has built solar arrays for Costco in Goleta and San Luis Obispo, Calif.

Just a few days before, Hawaii’s governor unveiled the Hawaii Clean Energy Initiative, an agreement with the U.S. Department of Energy that will significantly boost the amount of clean energy this island state uses. Under the plan, the country wants more than 70 percent of its energy coming from renewable sources by 2030.

“With an abundance of natural resources and environmental treasures, Hawaii is the ideal location to showcase the broad benefits of renewable energy at work on an unprecedented scale,” Assistant Secretary Karsner said in a statement. “Hawaii’s success will serve as an integrated model and demonstration test bed for the United States and other island communities globally, many of which are just beginning the transition to a clean energy economy.”

Earlier this week, Wal-Mart and SunEdison announced the completion of a 283-kilowatt solar installation at a Sam’s Club in Honolulu. Three additional solar installations are planned for Wal-Mart stores throughout Hawaii this year. Target also has reportedly signaled plans to use solar energy through arrays at three proposed Hawaii stores.