Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Honaunau, 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 in Hawaii. They are known for their comprehensive service, from design to maintenance, and are a primary provider of solar leasing and PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) options, making solar accessible with little to no upfront cost. Their strong manufacturer partnerships and in-house monitoring provide robust system performance and customer support.
RevoluSun is a highly respected, locally-focused solar installer with a stellar reputation across the Hawaiian islands. They are known for exceptional customer service, high-quality design, and expertise in both grid-tied and advanced off-grid battery systems, which are crucial for Hawaii's energy landscape. Their deep knowledge of local incentives and HECO (Hawaiian Electric) interconnection processes is a significant advantage.
Hawaii Energy Connection is a top-rated, locally-owned and operated company known for its personalized service and deep community roots. They specialize in creating custom solar energy systems tailored to the specific needs of Big Island homeowners. Their expertise spans the entire process, from energy efficiency assessments to designing robust off-grid solutions, and they are highly praised for their transparency and post-installation support.
The home solar market in Honaunau and the broader West Hawaii region is mature, highly competitive, and driven by the state's highest-in-the-nation electricity costs. The quality of service providers is generally very high, as the challenging environment (salt air, intense sun) and complex utility requirements (HECO) necessitate expertise and high-quality equipment. There is a significant push towards battery storage due to the desire for energy resilience during grid outages and to maximize self-consumption of solar power. Competition is fierce among a mix of national players (like Sunrun) and exceptional local specialists (like RevoluSun and Hawaii Energy Connection). Typical pricing for a standard 6kW grid-tied system can range from $20,000 to $35,000 before federal and state incentives, with battery storage systems adding $10,000 to $20,000 or more. Consumers are generally well-informed, and companies differentiate themselves on service, financing options, and technical expertise rather than price alone.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Honaunau regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Honaunau, Hawaii.
Honaunau's abundant sunshine is excellent for solar, with consistent year-round production. However, the microclimates on the Kona Coast can lead to occasional volcanic vog (haze) and passing showers, which may temporarily reduce output. Panels are typically angled to maximize exposure to the southern sun and to account for the area's specific latitude, ensuring high annual energy yields despite brief weather variations.
Installing solar in Honaunau requires a County of Hawaii building permit and, critically, approval from HELCO for interconnection to the grid. Due to circuit capacity limits on the Kealakekua circuit serving the area, you may need to apply for a "Customer Self-Supply" program, which does not allow for net metering. A reputable local installer will navigate this complex process, including submitting necessary engineering studies to HELCO, on your behalf.
Given HELCO's transition away from traditional net metering and the high likelihood of being on a "Self-Supply" program, adding battery storage is highly recommended to maximize your solar savings. It allows you to use your solar power at night and during outages. Hawaii offers a state tax credit (up to $5,000) in addition to the 30% federal tax credit for qualifying battery storage systems, improving the financial return.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience on the Big Island, specifically with HELCO's interconnection procedures. Look for licensed (C-61 or C-46), insured contractors with strong references in your community. They should provide a detailed production estimate specific to Honaunau's solar irradiance and a clear explanation of the current interconnection options and costs with HELCO.
After the 30% federal tax credit, a typical 6-8 kW system in Honaunau can range from $18,000 to $30,000, with higher costs if adding battery storage. The payback period is primarily driven by offsetting HELCO's high electricity rates (among the highest in the nation), often resulting in a break-even point of 5-8 years. Exact figures depend on your specific energy usage, system size, and financing method.