Solar Rebates in Honolulu, Hawaii (2026)

Honolulu has the highest residential electricity rates in the United States ($0.40+/kWh on Oahu) — making solar economics outstanding despite the islands' isolated grid. Hawaiian Electric replaced 1:1 net metering with Customer Self-Supply (CSS) — no export allowed; all generation must be self-consumed. This effectively makes battery storage required for any solar install. Hawaiian Electric Battery Bonus pays $850 per battery plus ongoing grid services revenue. Combined with federal 25D (30%) and Hawaii Energy efficiency rebates, Honolulu solar+battery economics deliver paybacks under 6 years.

Honolulu solar programs available

Federal 25D (30%)
Hawaii Battery Bonus ($850/battery + grid services)
Hawaiian Electric Customer Self-Supply (CSS)
Hawaii Energy Efficiency Rebates
Hawaii Property Tax Exemption (counties vary)

Honolulu-specific FAQ

Why is Hawaii electricity so expensive? +

Hawaii's isolated grid imports nearly all fuel. Plus small grid scale means high per-kWh fixed costs. Average residential ~$0.40/kWh.

CSS vs NEM — what changed? +

Hawaii eliminated retail-rate net metering. CSS requires self-consumption — solar can only offset on-site usage, no export credits. Battery storage essentially required.

Battery Bonus — must enroll separately? +

Yes. Apply via Hawaiian Electric portal. $850 paid upfront after commissioning. Ongoing grid services revenue based on dispatch frequency.

Federal pathway

The federal 25D 25D Credit (30% of cost, no cap) applies to Honolulu solar installations regardless of city or state. See the 25D guide for filing instructions and forms.

Related Hawaii cities and programs

25D: 25D Credit 30% of cost, no cap