Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Aiea, Hawaii. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading Hawaii-based solar installer known for high-quality residential systems, exceptional customer service, and deep expertise in local incentives and grid requirements. They specialize in both battery-backed and grid-tied systems.
One of Hawaii's oldest and most established solar companies with a strong reputation for reliability and workmanship. They offer comprehensive services from design to maintenance and have extensive experience with both residential and commercial projects.
A national provider with a significant local presence in Hawaii. Sunrun is a major player in solar leasing and PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) options, making solar accessible with little to no upfront cost. They provide robust monitoring and maintenance services.
The home solar market in Aiea, and Hawaii at large, is mature and highly competitive, driven by the state's highest-in-the-nation electricity costs and strong renewable energy mandates. The quality of providers is generally high, with stringent state licensing requirements (Hawaii C-61 Solar Contractor license) and building code adherence. Competition is fierce, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and robust service offerings. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Aiea can range from **$20,000 to $45,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size, battery integration, and roof complexity. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), along with potential Hawaii state tax credits and net energy metering (NEM) programs, significantly reduce the net cost. The market has a strong focus on battery storage due to the islands' isolated grids and the push for energy self-sufficiency, moving beyond simple grid-tied systems.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Aiea regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Aiea, Hawaii.
For a typical Aiea single-family home, a solar PV system with battery storage (highly recommended for backup) can range from $25,000 to $45,000 before incentives. Crucially, Hawaii offers the state Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit, which can cover 35% of your system cost (up to a $5,000 cap for single-family), and you can also combine this with the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Hawaiian Electric (HECO) also has specific rebate programs that can change, so checking their current offerings is essential.
The timeline is significantly influenced by local utility and county permitting. After design and contract signing, you should expect 2-4 months for the entire process. This includes time for Hawaiian Electric (HECO) to review and approve your interconnection agreement, the City & County of Honolulu's Department of Planning and Permitting (DPP) to issue permits, the physical installation, and finally, HECO's inspection and approval to "go live" (Permission to Operate).
Aiea's abundant sunshine is excellent for solar production, but the local climate introduces specific considerations. Trade winds help keep panels cool, which improves efficiency, but the frequent rain showers naturally clean panels, reducing maintenance needs. Installers in Hawaii must use corrosion-resistant hardware and secure mounting systems rated for high-wind zones to withstand occasional tropical storm conditions, ensuring long-term durability.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience and a strong track record with Hawaiian Electric (HECO) interconnections. They should be properly licensed (C-61 Solar and C-13 Electrical contractor licenses) and intimately familiar with Honolulu's DPP permitting process. Ask for references from recent Aiea or Central Oahu installations and ensure they provide detailed proposals that include battery storage options, given Hawaii's push for self-supply and the value of backup power.
Yes, you will remain connected to the grid, but Hawaii has transitioned from traditional net metering. Most residential systems now fall under the "Customer Self-Supply" or "Grid Supply" programs. For new systems, the Grid Supply option provides a much lower credit for excess energy sent to the grid, making it crucial to right-size your system for your own consumption. This makes pairing solar with a battery for storage (Self-Supply) highly advantageous to maximize your own use of solar energy, especially during peak evening hours when grid rates are highest.