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Free Solar Panels in Hawaii: Soak Up the Sun & Ditch High Energy Bills

Updated September 30, 2024 | 9 min read

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Free solar panels in Hawaii? It may sound too good to be true, but it is possible to obtain solar panels at no upfront cost through various financing options like solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs).

Combined with local Hawaii solar programs, tax credits, and state incentives, homeowners can significantly reduce or even eliminate the initial cost of installation while enjoying long-term energy savings.

Enter your zip code to see if you qualify for free solar in Hawaii!

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Solar Power in Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the sunniest places on earth, on average recieving 350+ sunny days per year. This one of the many reasons Hawaii continues to rank as one of the best places to go solar in America!

Solar panels power over 400,000 homes in Hawaii and generates more than 17% of all Hawaii's electricty. For perspective, solar powers about 4% of all of America's energy.

Fortunately, the cost of solar in Hawaii has decreased over 50% in the last 10 years and thanks to the many Hawaii Solar Incentives, there has never been a better time to go solar in The Aloha State!

Getting Free Solar Panels in Hawaii

EcoGen America is helping homes & businesses in Hawaii discover the best ways to go solar for less. There are many solar incentives, solar programs, and financing options available in Hawaii that can make solar energy more accessible and affordable. Get a customized solar savings quote to see which solar incentives you qualify for in the Aloha State!

Get started with your free solar savings quote!

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Power Purchase Agreements

Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are a popular financing option in which a third-party developer owns, operates, and maintains the solar energy system installed on your property. In exchange for the electricity generated by the system, you pay the developer a predetermined rate, typically lower than your current electricity rate. This allows you to enjoy the benefits of solar power without any upfront investment or ongoing maintenance costs.

Hawaii Solar Incentives

The top three solar incentives in Hawaii include the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the Hawaii State Tax Credit, and the Net Energy Metering (NEM) program.

The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC): Also known as the Green Energy Tax Credit, This solar incentive allows homeowners and businesses to claim a federal 30% tax credit of the cost of their solar energy system, including installation. This can add up to huge savings for solar owners and has become popular for Hawaii businesses.

Hawaii State Tax Credit: In addition to the federal ITC, Hawaii residents can claim a state tax credit for solar energy systems through the Hawaii Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit, which provides a credit of 35% of the system cost or $5,000, whichever is lower, for residential systems and 35% of the system cost or $500,000, whichever is lower, for commercial systems.

Net Energy Metering: Hawaii's NEM program enables solar owners to sell the excess energy generated by their solar panels back to the Hawaii solar grid at retail rates, helping to offset electricity costs and maximize the financial benefits of going solar.

Enter your zip code to see which Hawaii solar incentives you qualify for!

Do I Qualify?

Please enter a zip code

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Solar Financing Options

There are various financing options available that can help make solar installations more affordable:

Hawaii Solar Leases: Solar leases are a financing option that allows homeowners to enjoy the benefits of solar power without purchasing the solar energy system outright. Under a solar lease, a third-party company owns, installs, and maintains the solar panels on the homeowner's property. In exchange, the homeowner pays a fixed monthly lease payment, usually lower than their current electricity bill. This arrangement enables homeowners to save on electricity costs and switch to clean energy without incurring high upfront costs or ongoing maintenance responsibilities.

Hawaii Solar Loans: Solar loans are a financing option that allows homeowners to purchase and install a solar energy system by borrowing money from a lender. These loans can be secured or unsecured and typically have competitive interest rates and flexible repayment terms. By using a solar loan, homeowners can spread out the cost of their solar system over time, enabling them to benefit from clean energy and potential electricity bill savings while gradually paying off the loan.

Enter your zip code to see which Hawaii solar incentives you qualify for!

Do I Qualify?

Please enter a zip code

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Community Solar Programs in Hawaii

One of the most notable community solar programs in Hawaii Community-Based Renewable Energy (CBRE) program, also known as "Hawaiian Electric's Shared Solar program." The CBRE program allows residential and commercial customers who cannot install solar panels on their property, such as renters or those with shaded roofs, to participate in and benefit from renewable energy projects. The CBRE program aims to expand access to renewable energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and help Hawaii achieve its goal of 100% renewable energy by 2045.

Hawaii Energy: Funded by the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission, Hawaii Energy is a ratepayer-funded energy conservation and efficiency program that aims to help residents and businesses in Hawaii save energy and reduce costs. They offer incentives, rebates, and educational resources to promote energy efficiency and the adoption of renewable energy technologies, including solar.

Sustainable Living Institute of Maui (SLIM): SLIM is part of the University of Hawaii Maui College and focuses on promoting sustainable living and renewable energy in the Maui community. They offer workshops, events, and training programs on various topics, including solar energy.

Going Solar in Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the solar leaders in America, thanks to its abundant sunshine and progressive solar incentives aimed at helping residents power their homes & businesses with solar.

See how much you can save with solar panels in Hawaii with a simple free quote from EcoGen America. There is no cost and no obligation, so you can see exactly which solar incentives your homes qualifies for, in minutes. Get started today to explore all of your solar options! Aloha!

Get started with your free solar savings quote!

Yes, There are several programs to help Hawaii residents get solar panels installed for free. There are also non-profit efforts to help lower-income houses convert to solar energy for less.

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At EcoGen America, we take pride in the credibility of our information and ensure its accuracy by cross-referencing our data with esteemed institutions such as the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL). Our rigorous validation process underscores our commitment to delivering trustworthy and up-to-date solar content with editorial integrity. Our partners do not direct our editorial content. Learn more

Author & Solar Energy Expert

James Kahle, a revered voice in the energy domain, enlightens homeowners about the benefits of solar. Catch James soaking up the sun while playing basketball or immersed in the pages of a book.

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