Solar Panels in Honolulu, Hawaii

Q: How much do solar panels cost in Honolulu, Hawaii?

A typical 8 kW system in Honolulu costs approximately $22,400 installed (2026 average: ~$2.80/W). The federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025 and is no longer available for residential buyers. Your net cost is $22,322 after the Hawaii state credit.

Q: Is solar worth it in Honolulu without the federal tax credit?

Honolulu produces 1608.9 kWh/kWp/year. An 8 kW system saves $5,121/year and pays back in 3 years — even without the expired federal credit. Solar is exceptionally worth it in Honolulu.

Q: How long is the solar payback period in Honolulu?

The payback period in Honolulu is approximately 3 years, based on 1608.9 kWh/kWp annual yield (PVGIS v5.3) and a 39.79¢/kWh electricity rate (EIA data, updated April 11, 2026).

Honolulu receives 1608.9 kWh per kWp of solar panels per year — 5.6% above the US national average of 1,550 kWh/kWp. At Hawaii's electricity rate of 39.79¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $5,121/year and pays back in 3 years.

Solar is exceptionally worth it in Honolulu. Note: The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. The numbers below reflect today's actual costs.

Annual yield:1608.9 kWh/kWp

Electricity rate:39.79¢/kWh

Payback:3 yrs

Location:21.31°N

Honolulu Solar at a Glance

Annual solar yield1608.9 kWh/kWp/yr

Optimal tilt angle16° south-facing

Avg. daily sun hours25.9 hrs/day

Electricity rate39.79¢ per kWh

8 kW system cost (2026)$22,400

Hawaii state credit− $78

Your net cost$22,322

Annual savings$5,121/yr

Payback period3 years

Last updated: April 11, 2026 · Sources: PVGIS v5.3, EIA

How Much Solar Power Does Honolulu Get Each Month?

Monthly solar yield (kWh per kWp installed) based on PVGIS satellite data for 21.31°N, 157.86°W.

117

114

133

142

147

151

155

138

134

115

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Best month: 155.3 kWh/kWp (Aug)Worst month: 113.6 kWh/kWp (Feb)Monthly avg: 134 kWh/kWp

Live Solar Forecast for Honolulu

Real-time generation estimate for an 8 kW system based on today's weather forecast. Data: forecast.solar.

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Is a Home Battery Worth It in Honolulu?

A battery stores excess midday solar for use at peak evening hours. At 39.79¢/kWh in Honolulu, here is the math for the two most popular options.

Tesla Powerwall 3

Capacity

13.5 kWh

Installed cost

$11,500

Annual savings

$1,569

Payback

7.3 yrs

10-year value: $15,690 · Based on 365 cycles/yr, 39.79¢/kWh, 80% usable capacity. Does not include backup value or utility TOU rate savings.

Generic LFP 10 kWh

Capacity

10 kWh

Installed cost

$8,000

Annual savings

$1,114

Payback

7.2 yrs

10-year value: $11,140 · Based on 350 cycles/yr, 39.79¢/kWh, 80% usable capacity. Does not include backup value or utility TOU rate savings.

Battery ROI improves significantly in states with Time-of-Use (TOU) rates where peak electricity can cost 2–3× the off-peak rate. California (PG&E, SCE, SDG&E), New York (ConEd), and Massachusetts (Eversource) have the strongest TOU incentives for battery storage.

What Are the 25-Year Solar Savings in Honolulu?

Based on 1608.9 kWh/kWp/yr yield, 39.79¢/kWh electricity rate, and a 2026 system cost of $2.80/W. Federal tax credit expired Dec 31, 2025 — not included.

System cost

$22,400

Installed, 8 kW

State credit

−$78

Hawaii only

Net investment

$22,322

Your actual cost

25-yr savings

$121,624

Est. lifetime benefit

Federal Solar Tax Credit Update: The 30% residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired on December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill. Cash and loan purchases no longer qualify for the federal credit. State and local incentives below may still apply — check with your installer.

What Solar Incentives Are Available in Honolulu, Hawaii?

The federal ITC expired in 2025. These state and utility incentives still apply in Hawaii.

Hawaii State Tax Credit

0% of cost back on your state income taxes.

Property Tax Exemption

Hawaii exempts the solar-added home value from property taxes. A $22,400 system won't raise your tax bill.

Net Metering

Customer Grid-Supply (CGS) program: export credited at avoided-cost rate (~9¢/kWh). Battery storage strongly recommended.

Utility & Local Programs

35% state tax credit (up to $5,000), highest ROI in US due to 42¢/kWh electricity rates

See all Hawaii incentives Solar learning guides

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Solar Panels in Honolulu: Frequently Asked Questions

How much do solar panels cost in Honolulu, Hawaii in 2026?

In Honolulu, a typical 8 kW solar system costs approximately $22,400 installed (at ~$2.80/W, the 2026 US average). The federal solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025, so that 30% rebate is no longer available for residential cash or loan purchases. Hawaii's state tax credit saves an additional $78, bringing your net cost to $22,322. Prices vary by installer, panel brand, and roof complexity.

Is solar worth it in Honolulu without the federal tax credit?

Honolulu generates 1608.9 kWh per kWp annually — 5.6% above the US average. At Hawaii's electricity rate of 39.79¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $5,121/year and pays back in about 3 years — even without the expired federal credit. Solar is exceptionally worth it in Honolulu.

How much electricity do solar panels produce in Honolulu?

In Honolulu, each kW of solar panels produces approximately 1608.9 kWh per year. An 8 kW system generates about 12,871.2 kWh annually — enough to cover the average Hawaii household's electricity use. Peak production hits 155.3 kWh/kWp in Aug, with the lowest output of 113.6 kWh/kWp in Feb. Data source: PVGIS v5.3 satellite radiation model.

What solar incentives are available in Honolulu, Hawaii?

the expired federal tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025 and is no longer available for residential buyers. Hawaii still offers a state tax credit of 0% (up to $78). Hawaii also exempts solar systems from property tax assessments. Net metering and local utility programs may provide additional savings.

How long is the solar payback period in Honolulu?

In Honolulu, the average payback period for an 8 kW solar system is approximately 3 years. This is based on 1608.9 kWh/kWp annual yield (PVGIS data), a 39.79¢/kWh electricity rate (EIA 2026 data), and an $22,400 installed cost. After payback, the system produces free electricity for 15–20 more years.

Environmental Impact & Home Value in Honolulu

An 8 kW solar system in Honolulu produces roughly 12,871.2 kWh/year. Here is what that means beyond your electricity bill.

🌿

CO₂ avoided per year

5.0 tonnes

4,968 kg · EPA grid avg 0.386 kg/kWh

🌳

Tree equivalent

228 trees

Trees needed to absorb same CO₂ annually

🏠

Home value boost

+$1,546

Avg +6.9% (Lawrence Berkeley Lab / Zillow data)

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US homes powered

Avg US home uses 10,632 kWh/yr (EIA 2024)

How Many Solar Panels Do You Need in Honolulu?

The right system size depends on your annual electricity usage and how much of your bill you want to offset. In Honolulu, where annual solar yield is 1608.9 kWh per kWp, here is what different households typically need:

Annual usage	System size	Panels (400 W)	Est. cost	Annual savings
6,000 kWh Small home	3.8 kW	10 panels	$10,640	$2,387/yr
10,800 kWh Average home	6.8 kW	17 panels	$19,040	$4,297/yr
15,000 kWh Large home	9.4 kW	24 panels	$26,320	$5,969/yr
20,000 kWh Large + EV	12.5 kW	32 panels	$35,000	$7,958/yr

Costs based on $2.80/W installed (2026 US average). Panel count assumes 400 W modules. Savings based on current 39.79¢/kWh rate. State incentives not included — see above for Hawaii credits.

HonoluluSolar Resources & 2026 Incentives

Key information for homeowners in Honolulu going solar in 2026 — after the federal 30% tax credit expired December 31, 2025.

⚡ Federal Tax Credit Status (2026)

The 30% Section 25D residential solar credit expired December 31, 2025. An 8 kW system in Honolulu costs $22,322 after a $78 Hawaii state credit. The commercial Section 48 credit (for businesses, landlords) was not affected.

IRS Residential Clean Energy Credit →

🔌 Net Metering in Hawaii

Customer Grid-Supply (CGS) program: export credited at avoided-cost rate (~9¢/kWh). Battery storage strongly recommended.

DSIRE — Hawaii Incentive Database →

🏛️ Hawaii State Incentives

35% state tax credit (up to $5,000), highest ROI in US due to 42¢/kWh electricity rates

✓ Property tax exempt

📚 Authoritative Sources