LIHUE » Kauai’s electric utility plans to break ground next month on what will be the largest solar project in the estate.

The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative will hold a blessing and groundbreaking for the $40 million project on Nov. 6.

Solar panels will be installed on 67 acres near the old Koloa Mill that the cooperative is leasing from Grove Farm. Inc.

The utility has hired SolarCity to build the system. Construction is expected to be finished next year

The cooperative said Tuesday the project is a key part of its strategy to use renewable resources for at least 50 percent of Kauai’s electricity by 2023.

The utility is also pursuing hydroelectric power and a biomass plant that will be fueled by wood chips from Kauai-grown trees.