With fantastic solar insolation and high electricity prices due to a dependence on imported energy, Hawaii is an ideal solar market. However, interconnection continues to be an issue as Hawaiian utilities have imposed restrictions to avoid solar generators exceeding 15% of load on their systems.

The Hawaii State Capitol Located in downtown Honolulu, houses the
executive and legislative branches of the state government.

Facts on Hawaii's Solar Industry

• There are currently more than 77 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Hawaii. 
• 54 MW of solar were installed in Hawaii in the fourth quarter of 2012. This marks a 194% increase over the last quarter and a 385% increase over the same quarter last year. Hawaii ranked 6th nationally in Q4 installations. See more solar state rankings.
• In 2012, Hawaii installed 109 MW of solar electric capacity, ranking it 7th nationally.
• The 191 MW of solar energy currently installed in Hawaii ranks the state 9th in the country in cumulative installed solar capacity.  There is enough solar energy installed in the state to power 37,000 homes.
• In 2012, $471 million was invested in Hawaii to install solar on homes and businesses. This represents a 121% increase over the previous year, and is expected to grow again this year.
• Average installed residential and commercial photovoltaic system prices in Hawaii continue to fall--by 6% from last year. National prices have also dropped steadily--by 14% from last year and 31% since 2010.  

View more solar industry data.

Notable Solar Installations in Hawaii

• West Pullman Industrial Redevelopment Area in Chicago came online in 2012 at 10 MW. This $60 million project uses 32,292 photovoltaic panels to provide electricity for up to 1,500 homes per year. Most of the 200 jobs created during construction were sourced from the Chicago area.
• Grand Ridge Solar Plant in Otter Creek Township is a 23 MW photovoltaic system that came online in 2012. This project will generate $336,900 in tax revenue per year while powering 2,900 homes annually.

See our solar installations maps.

Solar Companies in Hawaii

There are currently more than 77 solar companies at work throughout the value chain in Hawaii. These companies provide a wide variety of solar products and services ranging from solar system installations to the manufacturing of components used in photovoltaic panels.  These companies can be broken down across the following categories: 2 manufacturers, 53 contractor/installers, 4 project developers, 7 distributors and 11 engaged in other solar activities including financing, engineering and legal support.

Don't see your company listed? Complete our National Solar Database Survey!

Hawaii State Solar Policy Resources

Hawaii Public Utilities Commission - Learn about the governing body that regulates the electricity rates and services of Hawaii public utilities

Hawaii Solar Energy Association – Learn what local solar companies have been doing to create solar jobs in Hawaii since 1977

Hawaii State Legislature - Track pending legislation affecting solar energy, locate and contact individual legislators, and stay up to date on current legislative issues in Hawaii

State Energy Office - Find a wide variety of information on state government energy programs, policy, projects, energy-saving strategies and energy-related statistics

DSIRE Incentives Database - Hawaii - Search a public clearinghouse for specific solar energy incentives in Hawaii and across the United States

U.S. Energy Information Administration - Hawaii State Profile - Explore official energy statistics, including data on electricity supply and demand, from the U.S. government