Plug-In Solar in Hawaii — Status: deferred
Bill: SB 2902 / HB 1644 — Relating to Plug-In Solar Energy Systems
Sponsor: Sen. Glenn Wakai (SB 2902)
Legislative Status: Deferred until 2027. SB 2902 passed the full Senate and cleared the House Energy & Environmental Protection Committee before the session ended without a full House floor vote. Strong momentum; sponsors plan to reintroduce in 2027.
Current Status: Passed Senate · In House Consumer Protection and Commerce Committee (April 2026)
Is Plug-In Solar Legal in Hawaii?
A dedicated statewide plug-in solar pathway is not currently active in Hawaii; SB 2902 / HB 1644 is listed as deferred. Before installing or connecting equipment, confirm current utility or interconnection rules, local code or permit requirements, property or lease conditions, outlet and electrical suitability, and the equipment listing and manufacturer instructions.
Last Updated: April 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 42.7¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $680/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 18¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 5.8 |
| Retail Choice | none |
Key Provisions
Exempts small plug-in solar systems from HECO interconnection requirements. Allows self-installation. Given Hawaii's extremely high electricity rates ($0.427/kWh), savings potential is the highest in the nation.
What You Can Do
If passed: self-install without HECO approval. At $0.427/kWh, an 800W system could save $500+ per year.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
Law not yet enacted. HECO currently requires interconnection agreements.
Available Rebates & Incentives
Hawaii Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit (RETITC): 35% state tax credit on solar PV system cost, capped at $5,000 for residential systems. Hawaiian Electric Smart Renewable Energy Export provides bill credits for grid exports. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- Hawaii RETITC — Hawaii State Energy Office — 35% state income tax credit on solar PV costs, capped at $5,000 for residential systems.
- Hawaiian Electric — Smart Renewable Energy Export — Earn bill credits for excess solar exported to the grid; no project size limits.
- Hawaiian Electric — Customer Incentive Programs — BYOD Plus battery incentives for customers adding storage to solar systems.
- DSIRE — Hawaii Solar Incentives — Full list of Hawaii state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 1,435,138 |
| Total Households | 493,898 |
| Owner-Occupied | 308,421 |
| Renter-Occupied | 185,477 |
| Single-Family Homes | 307,443 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 173,290 |
| Median Household Income | $95,322 |
| Median Home Value | $846,400 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 5.78 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 20° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1300 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | July, August, September |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Electric | ~1.4 million customers | No |
News Coverage
- State support could energize movement to equip more homes with plug-in solar — Hawaii Public Radio (February 25, 2026)
- Balcony solar is taking state legislatures by storm — Canary Media (February 2026)
Explore Your Next Steps in Hawaii
Use these tools and guides alongside the state-specific rules above to evaluate your space, potential savings, and the right connection approach.
- Compare every state — Return to the national tracker to compare enacted laws, pending bills, and unclear jurisdictions.
- Check your HI setup readiness — Review placement, outlet, property, and state-rule questions before choosing equipment.
- Estimate savings in Hawaii — Use your location and setup assumptions to estimate bill savings and storage value.
- Understand off-grid and grid-connected use — Separate truly off-grid or portable solar from equipment that connects to a building circuit or utility grid.