Hawaiian Electric Co. has received regulatory approval to undertake a project that will increase its use of renewable energy and gain experience with photovoltaic systems.

The company said the state Public Utilities Commission has approved HECO's contract to purchase power from a photovoltaic electrical system that Hoku Solar Inc. will install on the roof of the Ward Avenue facility. HECO said the 218-kilowatt system is expected to be in service by the end of 2008.