Take control of your electricity bill
Solar in HI
Considering going solar in Hawaii?
Homeowners in the Aloha State are all too familiar with high energy bills, as Hawaii homeowners pay the highest electricity bills in the country, despite using less electricity than the average American² . This is because Hawaii's power is largely generated from imported energy, which is significantly more expensive³. The good news? The abundant sunshine across the islands makes rooftop solar panels an easy choice for a more affordable, reliable energy source.
Sunrun leads the solar industry in Hawaii, making solar + battery storage accessible and simple with the Sunrun Subscription Plan where you can get started for as little as $0 down. While the traditional net metering program has been phased out for new customers, new programs are available that leverage new technology and offer different benefits to homeowners. By installing a new solar system with a battery, you can harness solar power to protect your family from rising utility rates and have backup power when you need it most.
Hawaii, go solar with confidence
Upgrade your home with a solar system and battery storage, and get expert installation from America’s #1 provider.
Powering Hawaii: Easy Process. Better technology. Happy customers.
*Actual savings vary by customer
Sunrun Subscription Plan vs. solar panels ownership
Our solar lease subscription plan offers predictable, affordable rates for as little as $0 down in upfront costs, or you could purchase solar panels outright.
Sunrun Subscription Plan
Leasing solar panels
Benefits
- Predictable, affordable payments
- Protect against rising utility costs
- Extended Sunrun warranties including workmanship and energy production guarantee for life of contract, 10 year roof penetration warranty, 24/7 system monitoring
Who maintains?
- Sunrun owns and maintains
- Plan transfers to new owners if you sell your home
Payments
- $0 to little down
- Locked in monthly solar lease
Solar panels ownership
Purchasing solar panels
Benefits
- Own your system outright
- Protect against rising utility costs
- Manufacturer's equipment warranties, 10 year workmanship guarantee, and 10 year roof penetration warranty
Who maintains?
- I service and care for my system myself
- Transfers to new owners if you sell your home
Payments
- Full system cost (cash upfront)
A home battery system is more crucial now than ever in Hawaii
Power when you need it most
Keep your home running smoothly during outages
Control energy costs effectively
FAQs
Why should I pair battery storage with solar panels in Hawaii?
By adding a solar battery to your solar system, you can unlock powerful benefits that a solar-only system can't provide. While solar panels typically shut down during a power outage to protect utility workers, a solar battery can provide you with crucial backup power to keep your home's essential appliances and lights running, and it can even recharge using your panels if the outage lasts for days. A battery also allows you to store the extra solar power your panels generate during the day and use it when you need it most, like at night or during peak rate hours when utility electricity is most expensive. This gives you greater energy independence and helps you get more predictable bills. To find out what makes the most sense for your home, you can talk to a Sunrun expert to explore your options.
What Hawaii solar incentives are available?
For those seeking to own residential solar + storage systems, the 30% Residential Clean Energy federal tax credit may help offset the large upfront investment. This federal solar tax credit will no longer be available for systems installed after 2025.
You can also qualify for Hawaii solar incentives, such as the Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit (RETITC), which may be claimed by Sunrun customers who purchase a system. This state tax credit is worth 35% of eligible costs, up to $5,000 per system (which is defined in 5kw increments). Those who claim this solar incentive are responsible for properly and timely filing Form(s) N-342 with their state income tax return. Any excess credit may be carried over to future tax years, or an election can be made to have the credit become a refundable tax credit but which also reduces the credit to 70% of its original value. Please consult your tax advisor regarding your potential eligibility and ability to benefit from federal and state tax credits.
While state and federal tax credits can ease the upfront cost of solar and battery storage, for many homeowners, purchasing a home energy system outright is still not the right financial or lifestyle fit. The Sunrun Solar Subscription solves for this by providing customers with long term locked in rates without the upfront costs and personal responsibility for maintenance.
Why should I choose Sunrun as my home solar power system provider?
Sunrun stands out among solar companies in Hawaii by providing reliable solar installation and maintenance homeowners can trust. Unlike many solar companies out there, Sunrun is here to stay. As the pioneer of the solar subscription, we boast the longest track record in the industry and support over 1 million customers. Backed by our position as the largest residential solar and storage provider in the U.S., Sunrun combines national reach with a local touch.
While we are a national solar company, in Hawaii, we have local teams who are experts in solar system installation. At the national level we are able to provide 24/7 system monitoring for all Sunrun Solar Subscription customers and if you need to sell your home, we easily transfer systems to new buyers to start them on their own solar energy journeys. With Sunrun you’ll receive cutting-edge solar products and experience an unmatched combination of expertise, customer service, and product warranty and performance guarantees.
What are the benefits of a solar powered home?
Solar and battery storage is the right decision for most Hawaiian homeowners. You get abundant, reliable energy generated by the solar panels on your roof, empowering you to control your energy costs. No matter which financial plan you choose, going solar means predictable electric bills for years to come, freeing you from the stress of unpredictable rate hikes. Plus, installing solar panels and battery storage gives you reliable independence from the grid. During brownouts or blackouts, you can keep your lights on, thanks to your backup battery, which allows your solar panel system to continue providing power. But the benefits don't stop there. Battery storage lets you use your extra solar energy whenever you want, avoiding those peak-rate charges and keeping your utility bills down.
How much does it cost to install a rooftop solar system in Hawaii?
In Hawaii, the cost of solar installation itself can be as little as $0 down for qualifying homeowners. Just like you don’t pay a utility company to install power lines, with the Sunrun Solar Subscription, Sunrun solar installers set up your home solar system at little to no upfront cost. You then pay a fixed monthly rate for battery storage and the energy your panels produce—replacing part of your utility bill.
If you choose to purchase your home solar system, solar installer costs will depend on various factors, including the number of panels being installed, what additional equipment you select–such as a backup battery, and any applicable solar incentives you may be eligible for and can utilize. If you want a detailed cost breakdown, check out this blog article. However, the best way to understand solar costs for your situation is to meet with one of our local Hawaii solar energy consultants. A Sunrun representative will assess your home and energy usage and provide you with a customized quote.
Sources
1. https://www.eia.gov/state/rankings/?sid=US#/series/31
2. https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=65244#
3. https://www.statista.com/statistics/630090/states-with-the-average-electricity-price-for-the-residential-sector-in-the-us/#:~:text=Hawaii%20is%20the%20state%20with,U.S.%20cents%20per%20kilowatt%2Dhour