Hawaii’s electricity rates hit $42.34 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) per month, nearly three times the national average of $16.26. With rates this high, it’s no wonder you’re thinking of switching to solar. Doing so can slash your energy bills and help Hawaii achieve its ambitious goal of 100% clean energy by 2045. We spent 80 hours researching to bring you the best solar companies in Hawaii, focusing on the quality of the solar panels, warranties, installation process, and more. Check out the best solar installers that could help you save.
Compare Solar Companies Across HI
| Company | Star Rating | BBB Rating | Warranties |
|---|---|---|---|
A+ | 25-year panels, 10-year workmanship | ||
 | A+ | 25 year manufacturer, 20 year labor | |
 | A+ | ||
NR | 25-year equipment, 10-year workmanship |
Hawaii’s Top Solar Energy Companies
- Sunrun: Best Solar Panel Leasing
- RevoluSun Hawaii: Best Full-Service Hawaii Installer
- Rising Sun: Best Local Hawaii Installer
- Tesla Solar: Best Solar Tech
Our Top Picks for Solar Installers in Hawaii
Sunrun
Learn more: Sunrun review
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Added insurance protections for theft or damage
- EV chargers and battery add-ons
- Multiple financing options, such as two lease types
Cons
- 25-year warranty limited to lease and prepaid customers
- Online reviews call out delayed repairs
Warranty and Financing
Sunrun offers a 10-year comprehensive warranty that includes product, roof penetration, and workmanship coverage. Leasing customers receive an extended 25-year warranty that includes insurance protection for theft and damage.
Reputation and Awards
Sunrun earned DroneDeploy’s 2022 Guardian of Safety Award for using drone technology with its site assessments. In 2021 and 2022, Sunrun received 14 awards from Comparably, including Best Company Culture, Best CEOs for Diversity, and Best Company for Women.
Sunrun has an A+ rating with BBB and is accredited. Leased customers appreciated the complete warranty coverage, but other homeowners voiced concerns about delayed installations and poor customer service.
RevoluSun Hawaii
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Additional heating, AC, and energy efficiency products and services
- Solar products include panels, energy storage, and hot water heaters
- Partnerships with leading nationwide solar companies, such as SunPower and Tesla
Cons
- Customer reviews note higher-than-average system cost
- Limited solar panel brand selection
- No power production guarantee or roof leak coverage
Why We Chose RevoluSun Hawaii
Hawaiian homeowners looking for a full-service local installer should consider RevoluSun Hawaii. The company offers solar energy solutions to all islands in the state. RevoluSun Hawaii partners with Tesla and SunPower for its offerings. The company also provides solar energy storage and hot water installations.
Beyond its solar equipment, RevoluSun offers energy efficiency audits to improve energy loss and lower utility bills. Additional services include air conditioning and heating equipment sales, maintenance, and repairs.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
The company offers a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 20-year labor warranty.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
Reputation and Awards
RevoluSun Hawaii received the Readers’ Choice Awards for Solar From Hawaii Home & Remodeling Magazine in 2021 and 2022. Honolulu Magazine also recognized the company under the “Best of Honolulu 2022: The Best Services on O‘ahu” category for best solar company.
RevoluSun Hawaii holds an A+ rating with the BBB and is accredited. When reviewing homeowners‘ reviews, we noted that customers praised its timely installations and courteous project managers. They were not pleased with the higher system pricing and delayed customer support communication.
Rising Sun
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Coverage area includes the Big Island, Kauai, Maui, and Oahu
- Large selection of name-brand solar panels, batteries, and solar roofing options
- Oldest solar installer in Hawaii with almost 30 years of experience
Cons
- Communication issues and installation delays, per online reviews
- No financing term details listed online
- Short five-year workmanship warranty
Why We Chose Rising Sun Solar
Rising Sun Solar is the most experienced local installer in Hawaii, offering almost 30 years of business experience and 20 years of solar industry expertise. The company makes an excellent choice for homeowners interested in a trusted company with in-depth knowledge of local permitting and solar incentives. Rising Sun offers a diverse catalog of solar solutions from LG, Q Cells, SunPower, and Tesla.
As a certified Tesla installer, the company also provides Tesla solar roofing and the Tesla Powerwall battery. Additional battery options include SunPower and Generac. Each system includes 25-year warranties for equipment and inverters, and five years of workmanship protection. The company has four financing options but doesn’t disclose its financial terms.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
The company includes a 25-year equipment warranty for panels and inverters, plus a five-year workmanship warranty with every solar system.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan
✔ Lease
✔ PPAs
Reputation and Awards
Rising Sun Solar holds an A+ rating with the BBB but isn’t accredited with the organization. When analyzing customer reviews, we noticed homeowners praised the company for its knowledgeable and friendly staff but were disappointed with delayed installations and project managers’ poor communication.
Tesla Solar
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Low-profile rooftop panels and solar roofing options
- Popular Tesla Powerwall available with all installations
- Transparent pricing online
Cons
- Installations completed exclusively by third-party installers
- Solar loans offered only in select areas
- Customer reviews call out difficulty with scheduling repair work
Why We Chose Tesla
Tesla offers high-tech solar solutions for residential customers, from advanced solar roofing to the powerful Tesla Powerwall. It stands out as one of the only companies to offer full, transparent pricing online before ever speaking to a representative. Whereas most solar companies require a consultation before revealing any pricing, Tesla has an online system that analyzes your home’s design and average energy bills to provide a custom quote. You can adjust your system’s configuration to add more panels and up to 10 Tesla Powerwall batteries.
Warranty and Financing
Warranty
Tesla includes 10-year comprehensive warranty coverage for product and workmanship and a 25-year performance warranty.
Financing Options
✔ Full purchase
✔ Loan (in select areas)
Reputation and Awards
Tesla began developing innovative solar products based on its successful automotive technology in 2003. It ultimately created the Tesla solar roof and Tesla Inverter in addition to providing traditional solar panels.
Tesla is not accredited by the BBB but holds an A+ rating. We noticed while reading reviews that many customers praised Tesla’s panel technology and the Powerwall’s performance but called out scheduling issues for service and repair.
Learn more: Tesla Solar review
Note: In July 2024, SunPower notified dealers it would be halting all new shipments and project installations. The company also noted it would “no longer be supporting new Leases and PPA sales nor new project installations of these financing options.
What Are the Solar Incentives in Hawaii?
Hawaii offers a unique blend of incentives, credits, and rebates that can significantly reduce the cost of going solar. Whether through federal benefits or statewide programs, here’s what you need to know:
Federal Solar Tax Credit
Most Hawaiian homeowners can take advantage of the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC), which covers up to 30% of installation costs. This credit applies to a wide range of renewable energy systems, including photovoltaic (PV) panels, solar shingles, and standalone solar batteries. It reduces or eliminates your federal tax liability, effectively lowering the cost of your solar investment.
Honolulu Property Tax Exemption
The City and County of Honolulu offer a property tax exemption for residential solar installations. This means that adding solar panels can increase your home’s value without increasing your property taxes. It’s a great way to enhance your property’s appeal and save on annual costs.
Hawaii Solar Tax Credit
Hawaii’s Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit (RETITC) provides a generous 35% state tax credit for system costs, with a cap of $5,000. This credit can be applied to your state tax liability, offering significant savings.
Low-Interest Solar Financing
Several financing options are available for homeowners who want to minimize upfront costs. The GreenSun Hawaii program provides lower interest rates and minimal down payments through participating banks and credit unions. Make sure to inquire about this program when discussing solar loans with your financial institution.
The Green Energy Money Saver (GEMS) program also offers low-interest, no-down payment loans, especially for low- to moderate-income homeowners. These loans can be used for solar power systems, solar hot water heaters, and heat pump water heaters. However, the application process can be time-consuming, so make sure to review all program terms and paperwork before applying.
Special Utility Rates or Net Metering
While Hawaii phased out traditional net metering in 2015, some utility companies still offer variations of the program. Hawaiian Electric’s “Customer Grid-Supply (CGS)” and “Smart Grid-GS” tariffs can offset your electricity bill by sending excess solar energy back to the grid, though compensation rates are typically lower.
Local Rebates
Hawaiian Electric Company offers a $850 per kilowatt (kW) rebate for solar energy storage systems on Oahu and Maui. Check with your local utility provider to discover more rebates or incentives available in your area.
For the most current information on Hawaiian solar incentives, visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE).
What Should You Look For in a Solar Company?
Below are some key factors to consider when comparing solar panel installers in Hawaii.
Solar Services
Beyond essential solar equipment and battery storage, solar installation companies offer special services and tools to support your system. Extras such as system monitoring, mobile apps, and online portals track system performance, energy use, and panel issues. Additional services such as energy audits assess your home’s efficiency and make appropriate upgrades. Some companies may also provide roofing, electrical, or other home services.
Most solar panel installations are handled by either in-house or third-party solar contractors, with communication and quality control cited as the options’ major differences. With an in-house team, you work with one designated project manager throughout the installation. In some cases, this individual is assigned to your project during the consultation and guides you through to final activation. Third-party contracts involve more points of contact, leading to miscommunication and delayed responses. Installation quality also varies by location, so there’s a higher chance of faulty installation.
Warranties and Power Production Guarantees
Warranties help protect your solar investment, ensuring your system continues working in the future. Most solar contractors offer two types of warranties: manufacturer (or product) and workmanship. The product warranty covers your panel for any manufacturing defects. With workmanship coverage, your solar solutions are protected against any issues that arise from poor or faulty installations. Since the average solar panel lasts around 25 years, we recommend choosing companies with warranty coverage that matches their lifespan. High-quality solar panels include 25-year warranties for manufacturer and workmanship coverage.
Some solar installation companies also offer power production guarantees. This guarantee outlines your expected panel production and offers replacement or compensation if panels drop in performance. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), panels drop 0.5% in efficiency yearly. Solar companies account for this degradation and create production guarantees to support their panels’ performance. Power production guarantees vary based on the type of panels. You’ll find cheap solar panels have power guarantees for 10–15 years or less, while top solar panels are covered for 25 years or longer.
Payment Options
Solar panel financing options play a major role in your return on investment (ROI) and solar incentive eligibility. Up-front or solar loans make you the legal system owner, qualifying you for federal and state solar incentives. These payment options also offer a better ROI and solar payback period, or the time it takes for panels to pay for themselves.
Payment options such as solar leases and power purchasing agreements (PPAs) make the solar company the legal owner, disqualifying you from additional savings. Although these payment options work for individuals uninterested in system ownership, they offer the least financial benefit, long-term savings, and ROI.
We recommend choosing cash payments or solar loans for your solar energy system.
Customer Support
When comparing customer support options, look for companies with multiple communication methods and extended hours. Many companies offer phone, email, and online forms to request additional help. Some companies also have online chat features to communicate with support teams. Our team experienced mixed results during our shopping experience, with some chats connecting to live agents and others offering unhelpful automated responses.
We recommend checking online reviews for mention of customer support experiences and note any callouts for delayed or unanswered inquiries. Although many service industries have varied customer service experiences, reliable customer support with a solar company is important before, during, and after installation.
How To Get a Solar Quote in Hawaii
To find the right solar installer, we recommend requesting multiple quotes from different companies. Compare each quote and check the total costs, including equipment, labor, and add-on accessories. The section below explains what to expect when meeting with a solar company for a quote.
- Contact each solar company: Most companies provide an online form or phone number to start the quote process. Ensure the company offers a free quote, as a few companies charge for a solar consultation. When using the online form, check the terms and conditions since some companies sign you up for automated phone calls and SMS messaging. You may speak to multiple reps before scheduling an appointment. Based on our shopping experiences, we spoke with an initial representative who verified our area coverage before being connected with the sales rep. Companies may offer in-person or virtual consultations.
- Determine your energy usage: During your formal consultation, the rep must verify your average home energy use to build the right system for your needs. You’ll need a recent electricity bill for this step, although we recommend bringing several statements to help give a clearer picture of your use, especially during high-usage seasons such as summer or winter.
- Check your roof layout and design: A company rep will assess your roof and identify any structural and design complications. They will also check for any nearby shading that could reduce your panels’ energy production. They may recommend tree removal services if you experience a lot of surrounding shading. If you choose a virtual roof review, the representative will use satellite imagery to begin your solar project design.
- Create your solar energy project: Your consultant will design your final solar energy system based on your roof assessment and energy use. You’ll receive a final quote and contract with design details. Your quote should include your solar system, system components, and accessories, such as solar batteries or electric vehicle (EV) chargers. When we spoke to professional solar installers, they advised that any solar quote should include details for all equipment costs, labor costs, racking systems, and warranty information. Your quote should also outline your expected solar payback period and financing options. Some solar companies also assist you with applying for federal and state solar incentives.
Our Conclusion
Based on our analysis, we’ve selected Sunrun as the top solar provider in Sunrun. The company provides high-quality solar systems in the residential space and includes in-house components for improved, streamlined performance. Hawaii homeowners also have peace of mind knowing their Sunrun system includes opportunities for diverse financing.
Hawaii residents should compare at least three solar quotes before committing to a solar installer.
Other Hawaii Home Service Resources
- Home Warranty Hawaii
- Pet Insurance Hawaii
- Moving Companies Hawaii
FAQs About Solar Companies in Hawaii
What are the benefits of going solar in Hawaii?
By going solar in Hawaii, you’ll benefit from lower energy spending, reduced carbon footprint, and better energy independence. Hawaii residents also benefit from a boost in their homes’ value while supporting the state’s 100% renewable energy goal.
How long do solar panels last in Hawaii?
The average solar panel lasts about 25 years in Hawaii, which is consistent with its life span in other states. Depending on solar panel quality, they can last even longer. For example, high-quality monocrystalline panels can last up to 40 years with proper care and maintenance.
Is it worth it to get solar in Hawaii?
Solar is a worthwhile investment in Hawaii due to the state’s high electricity rates and generous solar incentives. Investing in solar panels helps reduce electricity costs and save more money over time.
Is the Tesla Powerwall available in Hawaii?
Yes, the Tesla Powerwall is available in Hawaii through certified Tesla installers, such as Rising Sun Solar and the Powerwall Direct. When we ran a quote for a home in Honolulu, Tesla Powerwall costs started at around $15,288 before applying the federal solar tax credit.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. This means earning your trust through transparent reviews and data to back up our ratings and recommendations. Our rating system for solar providers is on a 100-point system based on five factors:
- Payment options (40 points): Options include purchase, loan, lease, and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs). Companies receive points for each of the four options they provide.
- Solar services (30 points): Does the company provide in-house installation of solar panels and battery backups? Can the company also monitor energy production and perform energy-efficiency audits to ensure system performance? The more options available, the higher the score.
- Warranty options (10 points): The success of a residential solar system depends on the workmanship, performance guarantees, and length of product coverage. The more warranties a company offers, the higher the score it receives.
- State availability (10 points): We award the most points to companies with the broadest service area and state availability.
- Reputation (10 points): We factor in how the Business Better Bureau (BBB) scores each company. We deduct points for any alerts or pending lawsuits.
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
