Solar Panels Cost 2.6k-13k in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), HI | October, 2024

Solar Panels Cost $2.6k-$13k in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), HI | October, 2024

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How much do solar panels cost in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), HI in 2024?

Currently, in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), HI in the month of October, 2024, the cost per each watt for solar is $3.8/W.

In accordance with this price, expect to spend $3,800, on average, for every 1000 watts (or 1 kW) of solar energy your solar system will need to produce. After receiving the 30% federal tax credit, you can expect to spend about $13,300, in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), for a 5 kW solar panel install. To ensure your energy requirements are met, you may require a larger system.

Select your county from the menu on the left to find the average roof size and maximum solar panel system capacity for homes in your area. Displayed below is a breakdown of the price, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Kailua CDP (Honolulu County): $13,300US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Kailua CDP (Honolulu County): 5 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Kailua CDP (Honolulu County): $29,902US Average: $15,784

Solar Potential in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County)

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Kailua CDP (Honolulu County).

Roof size 1,162sq. ft.
Capacity 16.25kW DC
Electricity 24.1kkWh AC per yr.

Electricity Costs in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), HI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing

An electricity consumer in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County) usually uses 461 kWh per month, leading to an average electric bill of $203.76. These figures also cover apartments and other smaller living spaces with lower energy requirements.

The mean rate for electricity in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), HI in October, 2024 is 44.19¢ per kWh.

To meet all of the energy requirements of a typical user in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), a solar power system of 4 kW or larger is required. The cost of a a 4 kW solar system is approximately $15,200 before any incentives, but the federal tax credit gives you back 30%, reducing your total to $10,640.

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Average solar panel costs by system size in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County)

Below and to the left, the pricing details for different sizes of the solar panel systems installed in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County) is displayed. Of course, with a larger solar system, you'll see a greater initial expense, but the advantages consist of greater energy savings and greater income tax credits.

The cost and benefit breakdown for solar panels, shown in the calculator down and to the right, is based on an average electric bill of $203.76 in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County). For a more precise estimate, change the $203.76 with your usual electricity bill amount.

System Size 1kW
Roof Size Min. space required
72 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $676 a year
Est. Price
$2,660
Savings from a 1kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 1,535 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $56
  • Full payback in 1 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.1 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 51 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 2,723 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,351 a year
Est. Price
$5,320
Savings from a 2kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 3,071 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $113
  • Full payback in 2 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.2 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 101 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 5,446 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,027 a year
Est. Price
$7,980
Savings from a 3kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 4,606 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $169
  • Full payback in 3 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.3 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 152 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 8,169 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,702 a year
Est. Price
$10,640
Savings from a 4kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 6,141 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $204
  • Full payback in 4 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.99 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 183 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,867 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $3,378 a year
Est. Price
$13,300
Savings from a 5kWthis system
  • Est. yearly production 7,677 kWh
  • Est. monthly savings $204
  • Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
  • Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.99 tons a year
  • Equivalent to planting 183 trees a year
  • Equivalent to driving 9,867 mi less a year

Kailua CDP (Honolulu County) Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024

The REAP Grant currently offers between 80% and 100% coverage for the installation costs of solar or wind turbines for rural small businesses and farms. If you think you might be eligible, try our REAP Grant eligibility tool to verify your qualification.

The federal government offers a 30% tax credit for residential solar systems, making solar attractive and practical for a variety of homeowners. Additionally, numerous state and local programs aim to promote further adoption of solar energy.

Various utilities and government entities in Hawaii provide 15 solar rebate and incentive programs.

Solar incentives in HI

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?

If you plan to own your residence longer than the solar system's payback period, solar panels are a wise investment in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County). A 5 kW system in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), HI will enable you to save the average homeowner, on average, $35,602.4 over a 20 period and the average break even point is 5 years.

The cost of not having solar panels in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), HI

Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the savings discussed previously and are entirely on your electric utility for electricity. Recent news examples have revealed that complete dependence on your utility provider isn't always the most favorable condition.

Hawaii utilities have reported 1.44 outages per customer per year over the past few years. On average, an outage lasts 122.37 minutes. Major events such as wildlife damage, grid management errors or thunderstorms can significantly extend these time frames.

A solar panel system, whether or not it has a backup battery, could help reduce the impact of future outages you might experience.

Power Outages

Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Honolulu County.

Learn more

Customers Out:

0

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What impacts the cost of solar panels in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), HI?

Your Energy Needs - Even if the initial expense is greater, the price per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems. Individuals often discover that setting up a solar system that can offset their entire electric bill is advantageous, ensuring optimal savings.

Make & Model - Just like any other product, solar panels are available in a wide variety of makes and models. Considering the system preferences that your installer may have, it's important to select a reputable contractor. For a superior long-term experience, buyers should consider better quality models.

Solar Panel Type - For good reasons, monocrystalline panels have become the industry standard. They come with a higher price, but they generate more energy. Many solar panel installers choose this material.

Your Property - Each property and home has its own characteristics. Factors such as trees, sloped land, or additional considerations can make the installation more challenging. Nowadays, most solar installers can assess your home with satellite images and incorporate these considerations in the first cost estimate.

Labor Rates - The costs connected to the varying wages offered by companies to their employees are passed on to the consumers. Companies that invest in higher wages usually see higher reviews for their work and customer service.

Permitting & Interconnection - Permitting and utility interconnection fees change locally and will impact your installation cost. Good installers will factor these costs into your preliminary quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.

See what solar panels cost in other HI cities

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Who are the best solar installers in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County)?

Academy Energy Group

Newburgh, IN(812) 518-2150

Services

  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.

SunPower Corporation

San Jose, CA(800) 786-7693

Services

  • Consulting on all things solar related.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.

Energy Design

Eugene, OR(541) 485-8122

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Consulting on all things solar related.

Sunnova Energy

Houston, TX(866) 786-6682

Services

  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.

Sunrun

San Francisco, CA(833) 394-3384

Services

  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Installation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Monitoring of independent energy generation.
  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.

Renewable Energy Services (RES)

Honokaa CDP, HI(808) 775-7410

Services

  • Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
  • Expertise in consulting on advantageous financing for solar.
  • Auditing of energy requirements for independent energy generation.
  • Reparation of solar arrays.
  • Installation of batteries for energy storage.
  • Installation of solar arrays.

Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), HI Solar Panel Cost FAQs

  • The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), HI as of October, 2024 is $3.8/W. With the federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), HI drops to roughly $13,300.
  • As of now, there are 15 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government entities in Hawaii. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
  • Even though paying cash yields the most savings, there are now several financing options for solar panels that also are financially sensible. Installers often have partnerships with financing companies and will include this information in your initial quotes.
  • Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), HI averages 5 years, with electricity savings of about $35,602.4 over 20 years.
Alex Zdanov
Last Reviewed By: Alex Zdanov
Published: 2024-10-01