Hawaii Solar Guide 2026
Everything Hawaii homeowners need to know: costs, incentives, net metering policy, and what makes this state unique for solar.
Key fact about Hawaii solar
Hawaii has the highest electricity rates in the US at ~$0.38/kWh, making it the fastest solar payback state despite high install costs. The 35% state tax credit (up to $5,000) adds significant value.
Peak sun hours
5.7
hrs/day avg
Avg electricity rate
38.0¢
per kWh
Median install cost
$3.6/W
before incentives
Typical payback
6 yrs
8 kW system, avg usage
Typical 8 kW system in Hawaii
Annual production
16,644 kWh
Year-1 savings
$6,325
System cost (est.)
$28,800
No federal tax credit — Section 25D expired December 31, 2025.
Hawaii Net Metering Policy
Customer Self-Supply / Smart Export (no full retail NEM)
Hawaii ended traditional net metering in 2015. Most new systems use Customer Self-Supply (CSS) — self-consumption only, no grid export credit — or Smart Export at low fixed rates. Batteries are essentially mandatory for maximum value.
Hawaii Solar Incentives
Available in addition to any utility rebates. Federal 25D credit is $0 for homeowner-owned systems from 2026.
- ✓State tax credit: 35% of system cost (up to $5,000 per 5kW)
- ✓Property tax exemption
- ✓Sales tax exemption for solar equipment
Top Utilities in Hawaii
Interconnection timeline: 8–16 weeks (HECO approval required)
Calculate your Hawaii solar economics
Our calculators are pre-filled with Hawaii data. Run any tool below.