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Hawaii Solar Companies

On Oahu and other Hawaiian Islands, the sun shines nearly every day of the year, making solar energy a viable energy option with an array of Hawaii solar companies to choose from.

By REAL. Updated Jul 19, 2022. | Living in Hawaii | 5 min. read

Why should I consider solar panels in Hawaii?

There are many reasons homeowners may consider installing solar panels or a solar water heater:

How much do solar panels cost?

In addition to bettering the value of your home and preserving the environment, solar panels often make sense economically in Hawaii. Solar companies will install solar panels on your home – either through an upfront cost, lease, or payment plan.

Based on a review of a number of local solar companies, as of August 2020, the average cost for solar panels and their installation is $3.38 per watt in the entire state of Hawaii, meaning the typical 6000 watt (6 kW) solar system would be $20,280.

In Honolulu City and County, or the island of Oahu, the average cost per watt for a solar panel system is $3.72, so the average cost would be $22,320 for a 6kW system. On Oahu, solar companies average 7.54 kW solar panel systems for installation, meaning the average solar panel system costs $28,048.80.

Hawaii has a commitment to 100% clean energy by 2045. Therefore, there has been both Hawaii state and federal tax credits for buying solar energy panels over the past years that might reduce the cost. Here are current tax credits available:

And how much will solar panels save me on my electric bill?

If you are paying the average kilowatt-hour on Oahu of $0.50 and use the average amount of electricity at 515 kilowatts per month, your average electric bill would total around $257.50. This is a low average.

Based on estimates, a 6-kW system could save a Hawaii resident more than $300 per month – each and every month of the year. This means, on average, a solar panel system would generate more energy than needed by the average resident, with payoffs of the system in only a matter of years.

Hawaii has 8% more sun than other states in the U.S., and the price of electricity is higher. Therefore, a solar panel system is about 200% more cost effective in Hawaii than in the rest of the United States. A solar panel system is a wise choice in Hawaii.

How much do solar water heaters cost and save me in electricity?

The cost of a solar water heater in Hawaii averages between $6,300 to $7,500 depending on the tank size. However, this is not the actual cost as there are Hawaii state and federal tax credits as well as instant rebates through some solar water companies in Hawaii.

In 2020, you can receive a 26% federal tax credit on the price of the solar water heater and installation and a 35% Hawaii state tax credit on the price of the solar water heater and installation. Therefore, if you purchased a solar water heater system for $7,000, you would have a federal tax credit of $1,820 and a Hawaii state tax credit of $2,450, meaning the cost of a solar water heater after tax credits in Hawaii would be $2730, making them a great choice.

It is estimated that a solar water heater can save you up to 40% on your electric bill, as heating water is one of the most expensive costs of electricity apart from a full air conditioning system.

Who are the best Oahu solar companies?

The solar industry is booming locally and across the United States, with growth expected to continue. So when you invest in solar panels for your home, you also are supporting the local economy. Here are three top solar companies on Oahu:

With the sun shining nearly every day of the year in Hawaii, solar panels and solar water heaters are a great choice to save money on electricity bills, to increase home equity, and to contribute to a clean environment and sustainable future.

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