Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Kealakekua, Hawaii. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
As one of the largest residential solar companies in the United States, Sunrun offers significant resources, strong manufacturer partnerships, and multiple financing options, including their popular PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) and lease programs. They are a go-to for homeowners seeking a hands-off approach with a nationally recognized brand.
A highly respected, locally-focused solar installer known for exceptional customer service and high-quality design and installation. RevoluSun has a strong reputation across the Hawaiian islands for understanding local permitting, grid interconnection, and the specific environmental conditions. They are often praised for their custom system designs and expertise with battery storage for energy resilience.
A well-regarded local company that provides a comprehensive suite of energy services. They are known for their personalized consultation and focus on both solar and broader energy efficiency upgrades. Their smaller size often allows for more direct customer interaction with the principals of the company.
** The home solar market in Kealakekua and the broader Kona region of the Big Island is **mature and highly competitive**, driven by some of the highest electricity costs in the nation and an excellent solar resource. The average quality of installers is very high, as the challenging local environment (volcanic smog, salt air) and complex utility (Hawaiian Electric) interconnection requirements favor experienced, professional companies. **Competition Level:** High. Homeowners can choose from national providers (like Sunrun) with extensive financing options and local/regional specialists (like RevoluSun and Hawaii Energy Smart) known for superior craftsmanship and personalized service. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is premium due to shipping costs and high local demand, but the state and federal incentives (including the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit and Hawaii's state tax credits) significantly reduce the net cost. A typical grid-tied system with battery backup for a single-family home can range from **$35,000 to $55,000+ before incentives**, with the final cost heavily dependent on system size, panel efficiency, and battery capacity. Leases and PPAs offer $0-down options but involve long-term contracts. **\*Note on Hawaii Energy Smart:** While based in Hilo, they are a licensed contractor for the entire County of Hawaii and actively market their services in the Kona and South Kona regions, making them a viable and reputable option for Kealakekua residents.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Kealakekua regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Kealakekua, Hawaii.
Kealakekua's climate is ideal for solar, with consistent, strong sunshine year-round. While the frequent sun maximizes daily production, the occasional heavy Kona rains help naturally clean your panels. It's important to note that energy production can vary slightly with the more overcast "wet season" (November-March), but systems are sized to account for this seasonal shift and still provide significant annual savings.
Upfront costs in Kealakekua are similar to the rest of the Big Island, typically ranging from $20,000 to $35,000 before incentives for an average home. The critical financial benefit is the combination of the 30% federal tax credit and Hawaii's high electricity rates (among the highest in the U.S.), which often leads to a payback period of 5-7 years. You also benefit from the Hawaiian Electric (HECO) Net Energy Metering (NEM) program, which credits you for excess power sent to the grid.
Yes, you must navigate both Hawaii County permitting and Hawaiian Electric's (HECO) interconnection process. A key local consideration is that some areas in South Kona may have older utility infrastructure, which can sometimes lead to additional requirements or slight delays during HECO's engineering review. A reputable local installer will manage this entire process and understand the specific nuances for your neighborhood.
Prioritize providers with extensive experience installing on the Big Island and specifically in the South Kona district. They should be familiar with Hawaii County's permit timelines, HECO's requirements, and local architectural styles (e.g., designing systems for hip roofs common in the area). Always verify they are licensed (C-61 Solar), insured, and check reviews from local customers regarding their service and system performance.
No, a standard grid-tied system will automatically shut off during a utility outage for safety reasons. To have backup power during Kealakekua's occasional outages, you must install a solar battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar). This is a common and highly valuable upgrade for local homeowners, allowing you to use your stored solar energy when the grid is down.