Solar Panels Cost $3.0k-$15k in Makawao CDP, HI | October, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Makawao CDP, HI in 2024?
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To go solar in Makawao CDP, HI in October, 2024 costs $4.31/W.
According to the rate per watt, solar panel installations will cost you, on average, $4,310 per 1K (or 1000 watts) of production capacity. When you subtract the 30% federal tax credit, a 5 kW solar system in Makawao CDP will cost around $15,085. In accordance with your energy consumption habits, your home might require a larger system.
On the left, select your county to see the average roof size and the maximum generation capacity for residential solar on homes in your area. Outlined below are 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.
Makawao CDP: $15,085US Average: $12,562
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Makawao CDP: 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.
Makawao CDP: $27,352US Average: $15,784
Solar Potential in Makawao CDP
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Makawao CDP.
Roof size 1,144sq. ft.
Capacity 16kW DC
Electricity 24.1kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Makawao CDP, HI & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
In Makawao CDP, the typical electric bill for an energy user is $203.76, with a typical monthly usage of 461 kWh. Be mindful that this number includes data from apartments and other smaller homes with lower energy needs.
In October 2024, the average electricity rate in Makawao CDP, HI is 44.19¢ per kWh.
If your household uses an average amount of electricity in Makawao CDP, you will need a solar system of 4 kW or higher to fully satisfy your full electricity consumption demands. At this time, a 4 kW solar installation costs around $17,240 initially, with the 30% federal tax credit, the cost comes to $12,068.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Makawao CDP
Displayed below and to the left, is a thorough cost analysis for multiple solar panel system sizes installed in Makawao CDP. A more extensive solar array will obviously cost more, but it will also provide more significant electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
Using the solar panel cost calculator located to the right and below, you can view a detailed cost and benefit analysis based on an average electric bill of $203.76 in Makawao CDP. Swap the $203.76 with your usual electricity bill for custom results.
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 $676 a year
Est. Price
$3,017
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
$6,034
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
$9,051
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,606 kWh
Est. monthly savings $169
Full payback in 4 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
$12,068
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,141 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
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $3,378 a year
Est. Price
$15,085
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 7,677 kWh
Est. monthly savings $204
Full payback in 6 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
Makawao CDP Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Rural entrepreneurs and farmers might find that the REAP Grant pays for 80% to 100% of their costs when installing solar energy or wind energy systems. Believe you qualify? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to see if you are eligible.
For residential solar installations, nearly all homeowners can benefit from a 30% federal income tax credit, which makes solar energy a feasible choice in many parts of the country. Furthermore, several state and local efforts are in place to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.
Hawaii residents have access to 15 solar rebate and incentive initiatives from various utilities and governmental bodies.
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?
If your plan is to stay in your home past the time it takes to pay off your solar system, opting for solar panels is a smart move in Makawao CDP. In Makawao CDP, HI, a 5 kW solar system installation might save you $33,817.4 on average over 20 years, with a usual break even point of 6 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Makawao CDP, HI
Without solar panels or another backup power source, you miss out on the savings highlighted previously and rely entirely on your electric utility for electricity. As we have seen in numerous recent news reports, full reliance on your utility isn't always the best option.
Each year, customers in Hawaii have encountered approximately 1.44 utility outages.Yearly, customers in Hawaii have dealt with approximately 1.44 utility outages. On average, the length of an outage is 122.37 minutes. Major events like grid management errors, heavy rain and flooding or planned maintenance can cause these durations to rise considerably.
With or without a backup battery, a solar panel system could reduce the effects of future power interruptions you might face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Maui County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Makawao CDP, HI?
Your Energy Needs - Larger solar panel systems have a higher initial cost, yet the average cost per watt falls as the system size expands. Most homeowners see the advantage in installing a solar setup that can make enough power to cover their entire electric bill, ensuring significant savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, just like many other products, are offered in a variety of makes and models. Taking into account the specific brand preferences an installer might have, choosing a recommended company is important. Better quality models generally provide a more favorable long-term experience for buyers.
Solar Panel Type - For good reasons, monocrystalline panels have become the standard in the industry. These panels are more expensive, yet they offer more energy. Most installers tend to use panels crafted from this material.
Your Property - Each property and home has its own unique features. Uneven ground, trees, or additional obstacles may add to the difficulty of the installation. Many solar installers now are able to utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and include these factors in the initial cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The costs related to the varied wages offered by companies to their employees are passed on to the consumers. Businesses paying more to their employees frequently receive higher reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Your installation cost will be impacted by area-specific permitting and utility interconnection fees. That said, reputable local installers will be able to integrate these numbers into your preliminary quotes so there are no surprises.
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.
Makawao CDP, HI Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The typical cost per watt for solar panels in Makawao CDP, HI as of October, 2024 is $4.31/W. With the federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar panel system in Makawao CDP, HI drops to roughly $15,085.
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.
Paying cash provides the most savings, yet there are several financing options available today for solar panels that are also advantageous. Financing partners are often associated with many installers, and this will be detailed in your initial quotes.
Yes, the typical payback time for 5 kW solar panel systems in Makawao CDP, HI is 6 years, and the expected electricity cost savings over 20 years is $33,817.4.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
