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#2 Solar ROI State

Solar Panel ROI in Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii averages 1,600 kWh per installed kW per year. At $39.8¢/kWh average utility rates, a 7 kW system produces a 25-year NPV of $68,203.

$10,680
System Cost (After Credits)
$68,203
25-Year NPV
3 years
Payback Period
$0.107/kWh
Solar LCOE

Solar Cost Breakdown in Hawaii

7 kW system (3.20/W)$22,400
Federal ITC (30%)-$6,720
Hawaii state credit (35%, capped at $5,000)-$5,000
Net Cost$10,680

Solar Production in Hawaii

Hawaii receives an average of 1,600 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year, based on NREL PVWatts data for a south-facing system at 20° tilt. A 7 kW system produces approximately 11,200 kWh in year one, declining by 0.5% annually due to panel degradation.

At Hawaii's average residential rate of $39.8¢/kWh with 4% annual escalation, first-year savings are $4,458. The solar LCOE of $0.107/kWh is 73% below the current utility rate and stays fixed while utility rates continue to climb.

Net Metering in Hawaii

Customer Grid-Supply (CGS) with export credit at avoided cost; self-supply (CSS) for zero-export

Solar by Utility in Hawaii

Hawaiian Electric (HECO)

Avg Rate: $39.8¢/kWh
Structure: TOU
Peak: $52.0¢/kWh / Off-Peak: $25.0¢/kWh
View analysis ›

Solar FAQ for Hawaii

How much does solar cost in Hawaii?
A typical 7 kW residential solar system in Hawaii costs $22,400 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC and $5,000 state credit, the net cost drops to $10,680.
What is the solar payback period in Hawaii?
Based on the average HI utility rate of $39.8¢/kWh and local solar irradiance of 1,600 kWh/kW/year, a 7 kW system typically pays for itself in 3 years. The 25-year NPV is $68,203.
Does Hawaii have net metering?
Customer Grid-Supply (CGS) with export credit at avoided cost; self-supply (CSS) for zero-export
What is the LCOE of solar in Hawaii?
The levelized cost of solar energy in Hawaii is approximately $0.107/kWh, compared to the current average utility rate of $39.8¢/kWh. Solar electricity costs 73% less than grid electricity at today's rates, and the gap widens as utility rates rise.
How much electricity does a solar panel produce in Hawaii?
Hawaii receives approximately 1,600 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year. A 7 kW system produces about 11,200 kWh in its first year, enough to offset 107% of the average U.S. household's electricity consumption.

Compare Options in Hawaii

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Solar ROI in Similar States

California

NPV: $41,579 · Payback: 5yr
Rate: $28.2¢/kWh · #1 ranked

New York

NPV: $20,948 · Payback: 6yr
Rate: $22.2¢/kWh · #3 ranked

Massachusetts

NPV: $27,033 · Payback: 6yr
Rate: $28.2¢/kWh · #4 ranked

Arizona

NPV: $14,954 · Payback: 8yr
Rate: $13.2¢/kWh · #5 ranked

Nevada

NPV: $12,806 · Payback: 8yr
Rate: $13.2¢/kWh · #6 ranked

Connecticut

NPV: $24,321 · Payback: 7yr
Rate: $27.2¢/kWh · #7 ranked

Get Your Hawaii Solar Analysis

These are averages. Your ROI depends on your specific utility, consumption, roof, and system size. Run a personalized 25-year NPV analysis — free.

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