Hawaiian Electric Co. Inc. wants to more than double the amount of solar-generated electricity in the state by leasing rooftops and other space for photovoltaic systems.

The company and its Neighbor Island sister utilities on the Big Island and Maui, have asked the state Public Utilities Commission for permission to undertake the program that could add up to 16 megawatts of photovoltaic systems to the state over a two-year period.

Hawaiian Electric said it would lease the space and bring in photovoltaic developers to install and operate the systems. Hawaiian Electric would by the electricity at a fixed rate under a long-term contract.

"It just makes sense to take greater advantage of solar energy in Hawai'i to help reduce our dependence on fossil fuels," said Hawaiian Electric President and Chief Executive Officer Dick Rosenblum in a news release.