Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Honokaa, Hawaii. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
Sunrun is one of the largest residential solar companies in the United States with a significant presence in Hawaii. They are known for their robust financing and leasing options (like Power Purchase Agreements), making solar accessible with little to no upfront cost. Their strong manufacturer partnerships and in-house monitoring provide a comprehensive, hands-off solution for many homeowners.
A highly respected, locally-focused solar installer with deep roots in the Hawaiian market. RevoluSun is renowned for its high-quality system design, expert installation, and exceptional customer service. They are particularly strong with complex grid-tied and off-grid battery solutions tailored to Hawaii's unique energy landscape and utility requirements.
A local Big Island company known for its personalized service and deep expertise in the Hawaii County permitting and utility interconnection process. They excel at custom system design for the unique climates of East Hawaii, from the rainy Hilo side to the sunnier Kohala coast, and are praised for their transparency and educational approach with customers.
** The home solar market in Honokaa and the broader Big Island is **highly mature and competitive**, driven by some of the highest electricity costs in the nation. The quality of service providers is generally very high, as the challenging environment (salt air, high winds, volcanic vog) demands robust equipment and expert installation. Companies operating here must have a deep understanding of Hawaiian Electric (HELCO) interconnection policies, battery storage requirements due to grid stability issues, and available state and federal incentives. **Competition is strong**, with a mix of large national providers (like Sunrun) and exceptional local specialists (like RevoluSun and Hawaii Energy Specialists). Customers benefit from this competition through advanced technology offerings and competitive pricing. **Typical pricing** for a residential solar system with battery storage in Hawaii is premium compared to the mainland, often ranging from **$35,000 to $65,000+** before incentives, due to higher equipment, labor, and permitting costs. However, the return on investment is significant, with most systems paying for themselves in 5-8 years given the high cost of grid power. Financing, leasing, and PPA options are widely available and very popular.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Honokaa regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Honokaa, Hawaii.
Honokaa's climate is generally excellent for solar, with consistent sunshine, but its location on the windward side of the Big Island means you can expect more frequent cloud cover and passing showers than in leeward areas like Kona. This can cause daily production fluctuations. Seasonally, you'll generate the most power in the drier summer months, while the wetter winter months (November-March) may see a 20-30% dip in production, which is a key factor in sizing your system correctly.
For a typical home in Honokaa, a solar PV system currently ranges from $20,000 to $35,000 before incentives, depending on size and equipment. Crucially, Hawaii offers a state tax credit of 35% of the system cost (capped at $5,000 per system), which you can combine with the 30% federal tax credit. Additionally, Hawaii's Net Energy Metering (NEM) program allows you to get full credit for excess energy sent back to the Hawaiian Electric (HECO) grid, significantly improving payback period.
Yes, the primary local challenge is navigating the interconnection process with Hawaiian Electric (HECO), which services Honokaa. Due to circuit capacity limits on the Hamakua Coast, HECO may require a more detailed review or impose export limits for new systems to maintain grid stability. Working with a local installer experienced with HECO's specific requirements for your area is essential to avoid delays and ensure a smooth approval process.
Choose a provider licensed in Hawaii (C-61 or C-60 specialty contractor license) with a strong track record of installations specifically on the Big Island. They should have direct experience with HECO's interconnection process for the Honokaa/Hamakua district and understand local building codes, including high-wind requirements. Ask for references from recent Honokaa projects and verify they handle all county permitting (Hawaii County) themselves.
Battery storage is highly recommended in Honokaa. While solar panels will power your home during the day, the Hamakua Coast can experience power outages due to storms, high winds, and grid maintenance. A battery ensures you have power at night and during outages. Furthermore, with Hawaii's NEM programs evolving, a battery helps maximize self-consumption of your solar energy, making you less dependent on utility rate changes.