Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Captain Cook, Hawaii. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is a national leader in residential solar with a strong local presence on the Big Island. They are known for their comprehensive service, from custom design to installation and ongoing maintenance. They offer various financing options, including purchase, loan, and their popular power purchase agreement (PPA), which allows homeowners to pay for the power the system produces with little to no upfront cost.
A locally owned and operated company on the Big Island since 1998, Alternate Energy Inc. has built an exceptional reputation for quality and expertise, particularly with off-grid and battery-backup systems. Their deep knowledge of Hawaii's unique energy landscape and their long-standing presence make them a trusted choice for robust and reliable solar solutions.
Hawaii Energy Connection is a well-regarded local provider focused on customer education and high-quality installations. They emphasize a consultative approach, helping homeowners choose the right system for their energy needs and budget. They are certified installers for top-tier equipment and are known for their excellent customer service.
** The home solar market in Captain Cook and the broader Big Island is mature and highly competitive, driven by some of the highest electricity costs in the United States. The average quality of service is very high, as companies must adhere to strict state and county regulations and compete in a savvy, environmentally conscious market. **Competition Level:** High. Homeowners can choose from large national providers (like Sunrun and Tesla) and several highly skilled local installers (like Alternate Energy Inc. and Hawaii Energy Connection). This competition benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. **Typical Pricing & Key Considerations:** * **System Cost:** A typical residential solar system in Hawaii can range from **$25,000 to $45,000+** before incentives, heavily dependent on system size (usually 5kW to 10kW+) and the inclusion of battery storage. * **Battery Storage:** Due to the instability of the grid in some areas and the desire for energy independence, battery storage (like the Tesla Powerwall or LG Chem) is an extremely popular and often essential add-on, significantly increasing the system cost but providing critical backup power. * **Incentives:** The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows homeowners to deduct 30% of the system cost from their federal taxes. Hawaii no longer offers a state tax credit, but the combination of high energy costs and the federal ITC leads to a relatively short payback period. * **Financing:** A wide array of financing is available, including cash purchases, solar loans, leases, and PPAs. The choice between owning and leasing is a major decision for homeowners, with each model having distinct long-term financial implications.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Captain Cook regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Captain Cook, Hawaii.
Captain Cook's climate is excellent for solar, with consistent, strong sunshine year-round. However, the area's frequent passing showers and occasional vog (volcanic smog) from Kīlauea can cause short-term dips in production. Seasonally, you'll generate the most power during the longer, sunnier summer days, while winter months may see a 20-30% reduction due to shorter days and more cloud cover, though this is less severe than in mainland climates.
In Hawaii County, which includes Captain Cook, you must obtain an electrical permit and a building permit for rooftop solar. Crucially, you must comply with Hawaiian Electric's (HECO's) Rule 14H for interconnection, which requires a fast-response inverter for safety on the island grid. Due to the high saturation of solar, some circuits may have interim requirements or limits, so your installer must check HECO's "Solar Circuit Status Map" for your specific location before finalizing the design.
Given Hawaii's electricity rates (among the highest in the U.S.), payback periods in Captain Cook are typically very attractive, often between 4-7 years. Key incentives include the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and the Hawaii State tax credit of 35% (capped at $5,000). There is no state sales tax on solar equipment, and Hawaii's Net Energy Metering (NEM) program allows you to get credit for excess energy sent to the grid.
Choose a provider licensed in Hawaii (C-61 Solar and C-13 Electrical licenses) with extensive experience installing on the Big Island. Look for companies familiar with Hawaii County's specific permitting process, HECO's interconnection procedures, and local building styles (e.g., dealing with hip roofs and hurricane straps). Ask for references from recent installations in South Kona and verify they handle all paperwork, as navigating local bureaucracy is a major part of the service.
Adding battery storage is highly recommended in Captain Cook. It provides crucial backup power during frequent, sometimes prolonged, grid outages caused by storms, wildlife, or volcanic activity. Furthermore, batteries allow you to store your solar energy for use in the evening, maximizing self-consumption and insulating you from future changes to net metering policies. Given the high cost of grid power, a battery can significantly increase your energy independence and resilience.