Solar Panels Cost $3.1k-$15k in Hawaii County, HI | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Hawaii County, HI in 2024?
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To have solar panels in Hawaii County, HI in the month of November, 2024 costs around $4.55/W.
It will cost $4,550, on average, per 1000 watts (1 kW) of capacounty that your solar panels have. A 5 kW solar system in Hawaii County will typically cost you $15,925 after applying the 30% federal tax credit. Remember that a higher capacity system may be needed to satisfy your energy demands.
To the left, you can choose your county to find the typical roof size and average maximum capacity for solar panels on homes in your area. You can also see an analysis of the costs, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county below.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Hawaii County: $15,925US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Hawaii County: 6 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Hawaii County: $26,536US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Hawaii County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Hawaii County.
Roof size 1,180sq. ft.
Capacity 16.5kW DC
Electricity 21.1kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Hawaii County, HI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Hawaii County energy consumers consume an average of460 kWh each month, resulting in an average electric bill of 205.36. Flats and other smaller living spaces with less energy demand are reflected in this statistic.
The average rate for electricity in Hawaii County, HI in November, 2024 is 44.65¢ per kWh.
Installing a a 4 kW solar panel installation will be priced at about $18,200 before applying incentives, but with the 30% federal tax credit, you can get a 30% credit, lowering the price to $12,740.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Hawaii County
Below on the left side, you'll find the pricing details for various sizes of solar panel systems set up in Hawaii County. While a larger solar installation does come with a greater cost, it also brings increased electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
Check a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator down and to the right, for an average electric bill of $205.36 in Hawaii County. Alter the $205.36 to fit your typical bill payment for customized outcomes.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 1kW
Roof Size Min. space required
72 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $691 a year
Est. Price
$3,185
Savings from a 1kWthis system
Est. yearly production 1,535 kWh
Est. monthly savings $58
Full payback in 1 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.86 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 39 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 2,125 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,382 a year
Est. Price
$6,370
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 3,071 kWh
Est. monthly savings $115
Full payback in 3 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.72 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 79 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,251 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,073 a year
Est. Price
$9,555
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,606 kWh
Est. monthly savings $173
Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.58 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 118 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,376 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,764 a year
Est. Price
$12,740
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,141 kWh
Est. monthly savings $205
Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.06 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 140 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,568 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $3,455 a year
Est. Price
$15,925
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,677 kWh
Est. monthly savings $205
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.06 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 140 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,568 mi less a year
Hawaii County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Between 80% and 100% of your photovoltaic or wind turbine installation costs may be covered by the REAP Grant if you own a rural small business or farm. To see if you qualify, use our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
For residential solar installations, almost all homeowners are eligible for a 30% federal income tax credit, which makes solar energy a feasible choice in many parts of the country. Moreover, many regional and state programs are set up to encourage more people to switch to solar power.
Different utilities and governmental bodies in Hawaii offer 15 solar rebate and incentive initiatives.
Solar incentives in HIIncentive Description Value
Solar and Wind Energy Credit (Personal)
Value:Up to $2,250
Beginning in the 1976 tax year, Hawaii businesses have been entitled to income tax credits on new renewable energy devices. The exact rates and amounts of exemptions vary depending on property classification and the specific type of energy system being installed. In each classification, "hard maximums" apply based on the retail price of the system. Amendments to the tax code have since allowed for credit amounts to be paid out as refunds or used toward income liability for the appropriate tax year. Additional information is available on the Hawaii Department of Taxation website.
Solar Water Heater Rebate
Value:Up to $500
Residential customers of the Hawaiian Electric Company, Maui Electric Company, or Hawaii Electric Light Company may be entitled to a one-time rebate to install or replace a solar water heater. Two rebate options, flat rates of $500 or $750, are available depending on the cost of the system. Either rebate will be paid to the solar contractor installing the water heater, meaning it will appear to the customer as a bill credit. Qualifying systems should satisfy all state standards for solar water heating and pass a final inspection from the utility. The program is available on the islands of Oahu, Maui, Hawaii, Molokai, and Lanai. Additional information is available from the HEC website.
Solar and Wind Energy Credit (Corporate)
Value:Up to $2,250
Beginning in the 1976 tax year, Hawaii residents have been entitled to income tax credits on new renewable energy devices. The exact rates and amounts of exemptions vary depending on property classification and the specific type of energy system being installed. In each classification, "hard maximums" apply based on the retail price of the system. Amendments to the tax code have since allowed for credit amounts to be paid out as refunds or used toward income liability for the appropriate tax year. Additional information is available on the Hawaii Department of Taxation website.
Distributed Generation Tariffs
Value:Varies
Interconnected renewable energy and distributed generation customers throughout Hawaii may be compensated for using their system through either grid-supply or Smart Export tariffs (net metering was abolished in 2015.) Under grid-supply tariffs, customer-generators will be credited on their monthly bills for energy sent back to the grid. Unlike net metering, the utility has direct control over how much energy is returned; this is to protect the grid and standardize capacity as per requirements. Different islands have different rate schedules, and rates will vary from time to time. Smart Export tariffs apply to renewable energy systems containing a separate storage module. Excess generation from the system will be used to charge the battery during the daytime, and this energy will be returned to the grid at night. Like grid-supply programs, different islands have different rate schedules for this excess generation. "Community-based tariffs" may apply for microgrid subscribers. These programs function similarly to individual systems, but compensation will be distributed to all subscribers in the proper proportions.
GreenSun Hawaii
Value:Varies
GreenSun Hawaii is an established loss reserve funded by the 2009 federal stimulus package. A variety of lenders throughout the state may tap into the fund to secure loans for homeowners seeking to install new renewable energy devices or make energy efficiency improvements. By having their loans secured, lenders are incentivized to offer lower rates and more optimal terms. Eligible projects include solar PV/water heating/HVAC systems, windows, insulation/weatherization, and ENERGY STAR certified appliances. Interested homeowners should visit the program website to find their local GreenSun lender.
City and County of Honolulu - Solar Loan Program
Value:Varies
Low to moderate-income homeowners in Honolulu or greater Oahu may be eligible for specialized financing on new solar PV/water heating systems, including any necessary roofing work for a successful installation. Condominium owners may also be eligible contingent on approval from their association. Loans come at zero interest, but they may be secured by a mortgage lien if the principal exceeds $10,000. Application forms are available from the City/County of Honolulu website.
Renewables and Efficiency in State Facilities & Operations
Value:Varies
In 2006, Hawaii governor Linda Lingle established new renewable energy standards for state agencies to follow by signing HB 2175. The new law contained: • a minimum LEED Silver certification requirement for all new state buildings, • a solar water heating requirement for all new state buildings, • a requirement for agencies to implement common-sense water and energy saving operational measures, • an order for agencies to purchase only environmentally-friendly products, • and a directive for agencies to track emissions from vehicles. Compliance with the law is measured through annual reports addressed to the legislature.
KIUC - Solar Water Heating Rebate Program
Value:Varies
Energy Wise is a program for commercial customer-members of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative. Through the program, property owners may receive free advisory services for their energy efficiency and renewable energy needs. A new initiative under Energy Wise awards new solar water heating installations with a $1000 rebate. Eligible systems may be brand new or replace an existing solar water heater over 15 years of age. Additional information is available from the KIUC website.
Feed-in-Tariff
Value:Varies
NOTE: This program is no longer accepting participants. Solar PV, wind, and hydro customers of HECO, MECO, and HELCO may be eligible for the state's feed-in tariff program. Under the program, utilities may sign 20-year contracts to obtain the excess generation from the system in exchange for a fixed rate. Rates vary depending on the method of generation, the rated capacity of the system, and the island on which the system is located. Additional information is available from the Hawaii Department of Energy website.
Solar Contractor Licensing
Value:Varies
The Hawaii Department of Commerce and Consumer Affairs is responsible for issuing contracting licenses in the state. A variety of specialized solar work licenses are available depending on an applicant's training and vocational experience. Solar contracting licenses include C-60 (solar power), C-61 (solar energy), C-61a (solar hot water), and C-61b (solar HVAC). Each license has a separate exam, but all require four years of experience. To install and professionally repair the full breadth of solar PV systems, contractors should pursue a C-13 electrical license, which includes all the privileges of a C-60 solar power license. Plumbing contractors with license C-37 may work with solar water heaters. General contractors have the privileges afforded by a C-61 license. Depending on the license a solar contractor holds, they may need to subcontract certain plumbing or electrical jobs if they do not have the required license. State law requires licensed electricians/plumbers to sign off on any new PV or solar water heater.
City and County of Honolulu - Real Property Tax Exemption for Alternative Energy Improvements
Value:Varies
Any private renewable energy system in Honolulu carries a 25-year local tax exemption by ordinance of the city council. Solar, wind, biomass, and hydroelectric systems qualify for an exemption, as do systems improving energy efficiency at fossil fuel plants. Geothermal and nuclear systems are not exempt. Additional information is available from the Real Property Assessment Division website.
KIUC - Solar Water Heating Loan Program
Value:Varies
Residential members of the Kauai Island Utility Cooperative may be eligible for specialized financing on solar water heaters. Funding may be used to install a new system or replace an existing one over 15 years of age. Loans are serviced by the Kauai Community Federal Credit Union. There is no interest or down payment (both are covered by the utility.) The maximum repayment period is 60 months. The application process involves standard credit checks and a pre-installation audit by KIUC to determine compliance with state standards. Additional information is available from the KIUC website.
Renewable Portfolio Standard
Value:Varies
Beginning in 2009, the Hawaii state government has established a legally binding renewable portfolio standard (RPS) for itself. Previously, RPS laws included provisions for both new renewable energy projects and energy efficiency improvements/offsets; however, only projects falling under the former category meet RPS requirements as of 2015. By 2030, at least 40% of all energy generated in Hawaii must be from renewable sources. 100% of Hawaii's energy should be renewable by 2045. Compliance is measured through a Renewable Energy Credit system and reports sent to the legislature every five years. Additional information is available from the Hawaii Department of Energy website.
Hawaii Energy
Value:Varies
The Hawaii Energy benefits fund supports new renewable energy and energy efficiency incentive programs throughout the state, including public investments toward RPS standards. The fund is supported by a surcharge on all customer utility bills, and its annual budget is determined by each utility's demand. Currently, funds support public bonds for new renewable farms and incentive programs overseen by utilities on five islands. Additional information is available on the fund's website.
Farm and Aquaculture Alternative Energy Loan
Value:Varies
Hawaiian farmers, including fish farmers, may be eligible for special financing from the state government to fund energy efficiency/renewable energy improvement projects. Loans have a maximum principal of 85% of the applicant's project costs up to $1.5 million. Interest rates vary between agriculture and aquacultural property, but they will range from 3 - 5% on unpaid principal only. Repayment periods may extend up to forty years. Loans are serviced by the state Department of Agriculture. The application process includes standard credit checks. Additional information is available from the DOA website.
Are solar panels worth it in Hawaii County, HI?
For those in Hawaii County looking to stay in their homes past the payback period of their solar system, solar panels make excellent sense. Over a 20 year period, a 5 kW solar system in Hawaii County, HI could save you around $33,361.4, with the average break even time being 6 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Hawaii County, HI
The lack of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means you'll forgo the earlier mentioned savings and be entirely reliant on your electric utility for power. Full reliance on your utility is not always ideal as the news has recently shown.
On average, there are 1.44 outages per customer each year in Hawaii. Usually, outages have an average duration of 122.37 minutes. However, during critical events like construction accidents, equipment failure or landslides, these times can extend dramatically.
Take a look at the graphic below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Hawaii County.
A solar panel system with (or without) a backup battery could ease the stress of future outages you face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Hawaii County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Hawaii County, HI?
Your Energy Needs - With larger solar panel systems, the cost per watt decreases, despite the greater upfront expense. Setting up a solar panel system that can replace the electric bill is beneficial to individuals because of the savings gained.
Make & Model - Just like other products, solar panels are offered in a wide variety of makes and models. Given the brand preferences that your installer may have, it's important to select a highly rated contractor. The use of better makes and models can greatly enhance the long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - The industry standard is now monocrystalline panels, and justifiably so. They come with a higher price, but they provide more energy. The majority of solar panel installers prefer this material.
Your Property - Every home and property is unique. Sloped land, trees, or v can increase the complexity of the installation. Solar installers nowadays typically utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and factor in these factors into the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The pay that various companies offer their employees differ, and these expenses are passed on to the consumers. Companies that pay higher wages frequently garner higher reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Depending on the location, permitting and utility interconnection fees will influence your installation price. Good local installers will build these figures into your first estimates to avoid any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Hawaii County cities
Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
Hawaii County, HI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
During November, 2024, the average price for solar panel installations in Hawaii County, HI is $4.55/W. Post federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar panel system installation in Hawaii County, HI will roughly cost $15,925.
Hawaii offers 15 different rebates and incentives from a range of utilities and government organizations. On top of that, most individuals are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.
Even though cash payments provide the greatest savings, many financing options for solar panels today are also cost-effective. Financing options are frequently available through installers and will be detailed in your initial quotes.
Yes, the typical payback time for 5 kW solar panel systems in Hawaii County, HI is 6 years, and the expected electricity cost savings over 20 years is $33,361.4.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
