They include a relatively new concept in solar energy production - - the micro inverter.

"The way it works is, each panel is connected to its own micro inverter.  So we convert the direct current of the solar panel directly into 240 single phase AC that buildings and homes use,” said Steve Godmere of Hawaii Energy Connection.

These five panels are like a string of Christmas lights - but when one is not efficient or not

working, the others continue to produce electricity.

"But another advantage is that each of the micro inverters are connected in parallel, which means now no one panel can constrict the performance of the entire array,” said Godmere.

The roof of Saunders Hall has become a springboard for alternative and renewable energy projects. 

Some months ago, a small wind turbine was installed so that students could study the impact of that type of energy conservation at the Hall. 

It's all part of the sustainable Saunders initiative.

"The sustainable Saunders initiative is trying to turn Saunders Hall into a model of sustainability for the campus and for Hawaii.  We focus most of our effort on energy conservation, but renewable energy is a natural part of the story of turning, making a building sustainable,” said David Nixon from the UH Public Policy Center.

As for the micro inverters, Hawaii Energy Connection has already deployed them on residences around Hawaii. 

Godmere said, "We can now harvest 15 to 20 percent more useable AC electricity from the exact same panels as we used to from a central inverter which means that for no additional installation costs, we're seeing return on investments much, much quicker."

UH students are able to monitor the energy efficiency on a web site for their research.

"We can go to a web site with a user name and password and see a graphic layout in exact representation of the array on the structure and we can monitor in real time the performance of each individual panel,” said Godmere.

UH Manoa wants to generate 25 percent of its electricity from renewable resources by 2020.