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Best Solar Companies in Hawaii

We compared 35 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunrun
      4.2(3,175)
    • Customer service
      ION Solar
      4.3(118)
    • Competitive pricing
      LA Solar Group
      3.7(17)

    Best Solar Companies in Hawaii

    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Justin Martino

    Our top 3 solar company picks for Hawaii

    1. Our top pick overall: Sunrun
    2. Our pick for customer service: ION Solar
    3. Our pick for competitive pricing: LA Solar Group

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

    The best solar companies, reviewed

    Our top pick overall
    Sunrun
    Sunrun
    4.2
    3,175 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    22%
    Workmanship warranty
    10 years
    Year founded
    2007
    Get Started Read Reviews

    Sunrun offers personalized residential solar panel system design throughout Hawaii. Happy reviewers highlight the company’s professional installation services and customer support. We also like that Sunrun’s solar lease program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment.

    • “Working with SunRun was good. There were a lot of parts because my father's place needed to get reroofed and it was great because they were able to help us do that part. With the removal of the old system, the putting in of the new system and the timing of everything, they were very patient as well. I appreciate the time they took to go through the motions because it took longer than normal time. Once they installed, then we had to wait for the local electric company to turn it on. So once it was finally turned on, we were like, ‘Yay!’” — Lisa in Kaneohe
    • “The installation crew was phenomenal. They were respectful of the property. They got to the site and there was kind of a on the fly redesign they had to do in terms of some available wall space on the house. Instead of just telling me they couldn't do it this way and they had to do it that way, they figured out if they could make it work the way I wanted it to look. They got it done when they were supposed to. … My bills are $30, $40 a month which used to be 350 a month. It's significantly less.” — Michael in Kailua-Kona
    • “The locals were great. They dealt with a difficult HOA as best they could. All questions were answered fully and promptly. My only negative would be the engineering team being located on the mainland in a different time zone. They could not physically review the site so mistakes in planning were made.” — Janson in Ewa Beach

    Brenda in Kailua had issues related to the installation, support and overall performance of the solar system. She implied that the reduction in her electricity bill is minimal, especially considering she was told her 40 panels would generate enough energy. She still has to pay $200 extra, despite leasing the system for $500, and the credits from Hawaiian Electric aren’t as large as promised by Sunrun.

    Sunrun is a leading residential solar, battery storage and energy services provider in the United States. The company starts by looking at your past electricity bills to estimate your energy needs. Then reps use a specialized computer tool to create the optimal solar system design for your roof.

    Sunrun services

    • Financing solutions
    • Battery storage solutions
    • Monitoring and maintenance
    • EV charging solutions

    Sunrun offers warranty coverage, system maintenance and a performance guarantee. The warranty covers workmanship and equipment for 10 years. The 95% system performance guarantee lasts 25 years. Leased systems typically come with free maintenance and repairs. Sunrun also stands out by offering roof leak warranties.

    You can also pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun’s leasing plans are what really sets it apart from other solar options. There’s no initial charge for any solar equipment, installation or permit. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it.

    • Monthly plan: You can lease Sunrun panels for $0 or a little bit of money down. Then you pay a fixed monthly payment for the term of your leasing contract, typically 25 years.
    • Full amount lease: You can prepay for up to 25 years of solar energy.

    Pros

    • Long time in business
    • Flexible payment options
    • Comprehensive warranties
    • Daily system monitoring

    Cons

    • Some communication issues
    • Limited price transparency
    Our pick for customer service
    ION Solar
    ION Solar
    4.3
    118 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    21.9%
    Workmanship warranty
    10 years
    Year founded
    2013
    Learn More Read Reviews

    ION Solar is a reputable solar installer with a strong track record. It stands out for its professionalism, quality workmanship, strong customer service and a generally smooth end-to-end installation process for many customers.

    • “A guy from ION Solar came by the house and he knocked on the door. He was really informed. We sat down and talked and he explained a lot of things to me about how the solar is taking over the electric company and how five years from now, the energy companies are gonna be going up about 5% every year over the next so many years and I was really impressed with it. As far as the installation goes, they did a good job. They were in and out in about a couple of hours. They were professional. I would recommend ION extremely highly myself.” — Larry in Hawaii

    Some customers tell us about production issues after the installation is complete, like Maria in Hawaii. “The first month I used the panel, my bill was higher than the normal,” she said. “I called ION Solar to have someone try to explain to me about that, but I'm frustrated because nobody could give me some good news.”

    ION Solar is a solar installation company that services residential homes in several states, including Oregon. It’s NABCEP-certified. Installers use Silfab solar panels and Enphase microinverters. Most projects are completed in 60 to 90 days.

    ION Solar services

    • Solar system design and installations
    • Roofing services
    • Energy production monitoring
    • Ongoing system maintenance

    ION Solar customers can purchase the system outright or finance it through a solar loan. Paying upfront gives you immediate ownership of the system. You can also finance through a solar loan. Rates and terms vary.

    ION Solar panels are guaranteed to produce at least 85% capacity for 30 years. Enphase microinverters come with a 25-year warranty. All work performed on your home during the installation is covered for 10 years. If there’s anything wrong with your panel or process, you can contact its customer service team for support.

    Pros

    • Sleek, black-on-black panels
    • No upfront payment required
    • 24/7 monitoring
    • Solid warranty

    Cons

    • Some communication issues
    • Some installation delays
    Our pick for customer service
    LA Solar Group
    LA Solar Group
    3.7
    17 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Workmanship warranty
    25 years
    Year founded
    2010
    Read Reviews

    LA Solar gets overall positive reviews from verified customers. Most recommend the company based on its competitive pricing. Others tell us about prompt customer service, a smooth installation process and lower monthly bills after the panels are installed. It also stands out for its 25-year performance guarantee and 25-year roof leak warranty.

    We’ve heard some minor complaints about installation delays, communication issues and billing problems. Solar panel installations are complicated projects, and mix-ups or misunderstandings are always possible. For instance, a supply chain dilemma can easily delay your initial agreed-upon timeline.

    LA Solar Group specializes in residential, commercial and government solar panel installations. It’s an authorized Tesla installer, so it has high-performance solar panels with a sleek, black-on-black design and great battery storage options. The company is based in San Fernando, California, and currently services California, Texas and Hawaii.

    LA Solar Group services

    • Solar panel installation
    • Solar carport installations
    • EV charging
    • Roofing services
    • Ongoing maintenance

    LA Solar installations come with coverage for equipment, labor and roof leaks.

    • Equipment: Solar panels, racking, inverters and other components are covered against defects for 25 years.
    • Labor: Repairs or replacements to fix defects, damages and production issues are free for 25 years.
    • Roof: Repairs for any roof leaks caused by the system are covered for 25 years.
    • Performance: Panels are guaranteed to produce according to their stated specifications (including degradation rate) for 25 years.

    LA Solar Group partners with several lenders and institutions to offer a range of financing and leasing options.

    • Solar loan: LA Solar’s partner network includes Mosaic, Sunlight Financial, Sungage Financial, Matadors Community Credit Union, Admirals Bank, EnerBank, GreenSky, Energy Loan Network, HERO, RENEW Financial and Ygrene.
    • Lease or PPA: Instead of owning your solar system, you agree to purchase the power it generates for a set rate over a period of time.

    Pros

    • Good customer reviews
    • Solid warranty and performance guarantee
    • Roofing, EV charging and other services available

    Cons

    • No in-house financing
    • Some installation delays

    Solar Companies in Hawaii Buyers guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Sunrun logo
    ION Solar logo
    LA Solar Group logo
    See our top picks

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      Hawaii solar panel buyers guide

      Our team has talked to thousands of solar customers across the country. Here’s what to expect and what to look out for when buying solar panels in Hawaii.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $27,680 in Hawaii.

      Jump to insight

      The federal investment tax credit (ITC) is the best incentive for most homeowners buying solar panels in Hawaii.

      Jump to insight

      Many solar customers are happy with the service, installation and cost savings. Others felt misled by pushy sales tactics and ended up with monthly bills higher than expected.

      Jump to insight

      How much does it cost to go solar in Hawaii?

      Average solar panel costs in Hawaii range from $12,110 to $34,600. This doesn’t include a solar storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels.

      On the high end, Nychelle in Waianae spent $87,000 going solar, and Douglas in Hanalei spent $100,000 on a system.

      The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets. A typical Hawaii household needs a system with a capacity of 5.1 kW to offset enough energy costs to make solar viable. Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in Hawaii

      How can I pay for solar panel installation? 

      Getting solar panels is similar to buying a car. You can pay cash, but many people finance their system through a solar loan. If you have enough savings to pay upfront, the biggest advantage of paying upfront interest charges. Leasing solar equipment is an attractive option for people who don’t want to get a loan or be responsible for maintaining a system.

      Solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years.

      Hawaii also has legalized power purchase agreements (unlike many other states). PPAs work very similarly to leases. The biggest downside to both is that you’ll be disqualified from many of the best financial incentives, like the 30% federal solar tax credit. It also might make your house harder to sell since a new buyer will have to take over the lease agreement.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Going solar in Hawaii

      High retail electricity rates are a big reason Hawaii is such a good place for rooftop solar installations. The potential savings more than make up for the state’s limits on net metering compensation. Plus, statewide solar adoption rates have kept installation costs relatively low.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: Hawaii ranked first in 2024

      Solar incentives in Hawaii

      Residents may take advantage of several solar incentives in Hawaii.

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the biggest factor in reducing the cost of going solar in Hawaii. ITC credits 30% of the system’s total cost — including equipment, labor and permits —toward what you owe on federal income taxes.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000. You don’t get these benefits automatically, though. You have to claim your solar equipment, labor and permits on your federal taxes for the same year you started using your system on Form 5695.

      Are solar panels worth it in Hawaii?

      For a lot of homeowners, solar is worth it in Hawaii for the long term savings on energy bills. “Going solar is a no-brainer as an investment,” according to Jose in Haiku. “You get a huge tax break and save big bucks over time,” he told us. Another resident, Helen on the island of Molokai, said her electric bill is “non-existent” compared with what it was before switching to solar ($25 to $35 now, versus $170 before).

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      Hawaii has the nation’s highest rate of existing rooftop solar capacity — much more than California, which has the second-highest rate. On average, homeowners can avoid $122,119 in total utility costs over 25 years. Your current electric bill is the starting point for assessing the financial benefits of transitioning to solar energy.

      Your potential long-term savings more than makeup for the state’s limits on net metering eligibility and relatively low compensation rates for excess power generation.

      Going solar is a no-brainer as an investment. ”
      — Jose in Haiku

      Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 2.7 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). Getting a loan to pay for solar panel installation is worth it as long as your loan payment is cheaper than what you’d be paying for electricity anyway. Then, once the loan is paid off, you essentially get “free” electricity.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      What to look for in a solar company in Hawaii

      In our experience, the best solar energy companies have a few things in common: great reviews, transparent contracts, reliable equipment and comprehensive warranties. Look for companies with plenty of experience installing solar panels in Hawaii. It makes it easier to navigate regulations, permits and available financial incentives.

      • Check certifications: Hawaii solar installers are required to be licensed electricians. We also suggest hiring a company with NABCEP-certified installers. This shows you the company takes its business seriously.
      • Read reviews: Complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews. Check out our Honolulu solar guide for city-specific recommendations.
      • Compare quotes: You want a good deal, of course, but be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others — this may indicate lower quality.
      • Ask questions: Consider if you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output. It’s also smart to ask about critter guards in Hawaii. If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask.

      Solar panels last a long time — you want to hire a well-established company that will still be around for system support for at least 25 years. 

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      FAQ

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Ideal candidates have a south-facing roof with little to no shade and are in areas with high solar irradiation. It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Reducing your electrical loads now means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper. 

      NREL’s PVWatts Calculator estimates how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. You can also use Project Sunroof, a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

      Should I replace my roof before installing solar panels?

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      How long does it take to install solar panels in Hawaii?

      Installation times vary quite a bit by seasonality, but it generally takes anywhere from a few weeks to a few months to get everything up and running. According to Chris on Oahu, a roof inspection was scheduled within a month after first talking with a sales rep. Then, it took another month to actually complete the installation.

      “When they installed it, I was waiting for the electric company to put in their meters and verify everything,” Chris told us. “It had to go through the state, had to verify that it was okay. And then the power company had to verify that it would work on the grid without causing interruptions. And then they had to eventually change the meter out. We started in February, and it was on by the first week of July.”

      However, some customers have experienced delays in the installation process, with wait times up to a year.

      Is my HOA allowed to restrict solar panels?

      No. State law in Hawaii prohibits homeowners associations from outright denying installation of solar panels. Each HOA may have rules and specifications allowing the placement and installation of solar panels.

      Do I need any permits to install solar panels on my house?

      Yes. All renewable projects in Hawaii require permits. You can use the state government’s Renewable Energy Permitting Wizard to find permitting requirements for your project. The state also maintains a list of common solar permit regulations.

      Do I really need a solar battery?

      A solar battery system protects against fluctuating energy costs and policy changes while maximizing the benefits of your solar panels. As regulations change, batteries can insulate you from unfavorable policies and offer opportunities for future financial benefits, like participating in demand response programs or selling stored energy to the local grid. Solar batteries are also a must if you want real energy independence and are essential if you go off-grid.

      Methodology

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team objectively evaluates solar providers to highlight those best equipped to meet most homeowners' needs. To choose our top picks for this guide, we started with a list of popular providers. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in Hawaii. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%

      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with the most positive recent ratings left by local reviewers on our site were given preference.

      Equipment selection: 20%

      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Warranties: 20%

      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Financing and payment options: 10%

      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Overall reputation: 10%

      We considered each company's history, mission and value. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect.

      To recap, our top picks for the best solar companies in Hawaii:

      • Sunrun
      • LA Solar Group
      • ION Solar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. DSIRE, “Hawaii Solar Programs.” Accessed March 14, 2024.
        2. Solar Energy Industries Association, “Hawaii Solar.” Accessed March 14, 2024.
        3. SolarReviews, “How much do solar panels cost in Hawaii, 2024?” Accessed March 14, 2024.
        4. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed March 14, 2024.
        5. Hawaii State Legislature, “196-7 Placement of solar energy devices.” Accessed March 6, 2024.

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