Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Maunaloa, Hawaii. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
One of Hawaii's oldest and most established solar companies, having been in operation for over 40 years. They are renowned for their deep expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid battery systems, which is crucial for more remote areas. They handle everything from initial consultation and design to installation and long-term maintenance.
A highly respected, employee-owned company with a strong focus on quality and customer service. They are known for their robust system designs and excellent manufacturer partnerships (e.g., Panasonic, Enphase). They offer a full suite of services, including energy efficiency assessments and are well-versed in all local and state incentive programs.
A reliable and customer-focused provider known for its professional installations and responsive service. They specialize in residential projects and have extensive experience with the unique interconnection requirements of Hawaiian Electric. They also offer solar panel cleaning and proactive maintenance plans to ensure long-term system performance.
** The home solar market in Maunaloa, and on Molokai in general, is characterized by high demand due to some of the highest electricity rates in the nation but is served by a limited number of specialized providers. Because there are no large solar companies based directly in Maunaloa, residents typically contract with established firms from Maui or Oahu that have the capability to manage projects on neighbor islands. The competition, therefore, is among these high-quality, inter-island providers rather than a saturated local market. The average quality of service is very high, as these companies must be exceptionally proficient in logistics, remote project management, and dealing with the specific challenges of Hawaiian homes, such as hurricane straps and salt air corrosion. Typical pricing for a residential solar system in Hawaii is above the national average, often ranging from **$3.00 to $4.50 per watt** before incentives, reflecting higher labor and equipment transportation costs. However, the return on investment is significant due to the high cost of grid power. Battery storage is increasingly becoming a standard component of new installations, both for energy independence and to comply with utility regulations, adding to the overall system cost but providing critical backup power.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Maunaloa regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Maunaloa, Hawaii.
Maunaloa's tropical climate provides excellent year-round solar potential with consistent sunshine. However, efficiency can be slightly reduced during the wetter winter months (November-March) due to increased cloud cover and rain. The trade winds are beneficial for naturally cooling your panels, which helps maintain optimal performance during sunny periods. Overall, you can expect strong, reliable energy production, especially from April through October.
Installation requires a County of Maui building permit and, critically, approval from Hawaiian Electric for grid interconnection. Due to circuit capacity limits on Molokai, HECO's "Customer Self-Supply" program is often the applicable option, which does not allow for net metering but uses batteries for backup. A licensed local contractor will navigate this process, which can take several months, ensuring compliance with all Hawaii-specific codes and the unique requirements for the Molokai grid.
Absolutely. With electricity rates on Molokai among the highest in the nation, solar provides significant savings. For a typical Maunaloa home, a solar-plus-storage system currently ranges from $25,000 to $40,000 before incentives. After applying the 30% federal tax credit and any available state incentives, the payback period is typically 5-8 years, after which you benefit from decades of drastically reduced energy costs.
It's crucial to select a provider with extensive experience on Molokai due to the unique interconnection challenges and logistics. Look for a licensed, insured contractor with strong references from local installations. While some providers are based on Maui and service Molokai, there are also local Molokai-based companies. Verify their familiarity with HECO's Molokai-specific requirements and their ability to provide long-term service and maintenance on-island.
For most homeowners in Maunaloa, battery storage is highly recommended and often necessary. Due to grid stability and capacity issues on Molokai, Hawaiian Electric frequently requires new solar systems to be paired with batteries under their "Self-Supply" program. Furthermore, batteries provide critical backup power during occasional outages and allow you to use your solar energy at night, maximizing your independence from the expensive grid.