Go Solar Hawaii

Hawaii goes solar with SunPower^®

Solar energy glimmers across the Paradise of the Pacific

The state of solar in Hawaii

With 240 days of sunshine annually,* Hawaii basks in the rays of the sun for 65% of its year. Hawaii receives a much higher amount of sunshine than the rest of the U.S. BestPlaces.com gives it a comfort index of 8.7 out of 10.* Temperatures are mild with no snowfall in the state; however, solar panels in Hawaii must endure 57 inches of rain annually.

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE) ranks the state fourteenth in the nation for its energy policies.* Since 96% of Hawaii's buildings are solar-viable,* the state is primed to capitalize on its abundant sunshine.

*. BestPlaces. Climate in Hawaii (accessed August 6, 2021). https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/hawaii
*. BestPlaces. Climate in Hawaii (accessed August 6, 2021). https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/hawaii
*. ACEEE. State Scorecard Rank | ACEEE (accessed August 6, 2021). https://database.aceee.org/state-scorecard-rank
*. Google Project Sunroof. Data Explorer | Hawaii (accessed August 6, 2021). https://sunroof.withgoogle.com/data-explorer/place/ChIJBeB5Twbb_3sRKIbMd...

How much solar energy does Hawaii produce?

Hawaii ranks 16th in the U.S. in terms of the number of megawatts of its solar installations, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). * It provides nearly 17% of the state's electricity and can power 356,477 homes. Hawaii has over 93,000 solar installations, with the Waiawa Solar Project (Phase I) and 12 MW, KRS I Anahola Solar are the most significant. Information about other solar installations* is available on SEIA's website.

*. SEIA. Hawaii Solar | SEIA (accessed August 6, 2021). https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/hawaii-solar
*. SEIA. Major Solar Projects List | SEIA (accessed August 6, 2021). https://www.seia.org/research-resources/major-solar-projects-list

What are the advantages of going solar in Hawaii?

Hawaiians pay more for electrical power than any other Americans. Statistics from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) show that as of April 2021, Hawaii ranks 1st in the nation for the average retail price of electricity to the residential sector, with an average price of nearly 33 cents per kilowatt-hour. In contrast, half of the American states have an average price of less than 13 cents.

Solar equipment can last 30-40 years, saving system owners around $20,000 in energy costs over the first 25 years. A few other benefits of converting sunlight to electricity are better air quality, CO2 reduction, and good jobs in an industry poised for growth.

How much does solar cost in Hawaii?

hawaii solar

The cost of a home solar system can vary due to a range of factors, even in the same state. These include:

Quality of the solar system's panels and parts
The angle of the roof
Weather
Household's energy needs
Roof space

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.

In Hawaii, we found that the average investment to own a 5 kW solar system is $13,950, or in other words, from $2.79 per watt—and that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

What to consider when going solar in Hawaii

Homeowners in Hawaii may claim the 26% federal residential solar energy tax credit for new solar photovoltaic (PV) systems they installed between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2023.*

Hawaii imports most of its energy, which is why the costs are so high. Nationally, however, prices are dropping for solar panels, and they've dropped 43%* since 2016 and 80% in the past decade. Hawaii's solar build-out includes solar farms, large retailers, and residential installs.

As the first state to enact performance-based ratemaking (PBR) into law, Hawaii is progressive in its energy policy.* Hawaiians can take advantage of several incentive programs, including:

The Hawaii Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit
Property tax credits in Kauai and Honolulu counties
The Renewable Fuels Production Tax Credit (RFPTC)

*. Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.
*. SEIA. Hawaii Solar | SEIA (accessed August 6, 2021). https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/hawaii-solar
*. HSEA. Home (accessed August 7, 2021). http://www.hsea.org/

What's the best way to go solar in Hawaii?

Sunshine is a clean energy resource that everyone can harness. Nevertheless, it's important to research service providers to make the right choice for quality, appearance, and durability. Due diligence in choosing a reputable contractor is essential.

Consulting with a professional can confirm your findings and answer questions about a design that meets your budget, property, and energy needs. A premium solar system built from established brands will provide the best return on your investment.

Your professional contractor can recommend an aesthetically pleasing installation guaranteed to raise your property's value, and the right solar energy professional will ensure that you leverage every rebate and incentive available to maximize savings on installation costs.

Get started now by requesting your consultation with SunPower. We'll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.