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Solar Cost Per Watt in Hawaii
Average $$3.10/W • Rank #$46 of 51 • 3.1-year payback • Updated 2026
Urgent tax credit deadlines
- Section 48E phase-out completes December 31, 2027 — projects must be placed in service by then (515 days left).
Cost Per Watt
$3.10
avg in Hawaii
vs National
+$0.40
(+14.8%)
Payback (8kW)
3.1 yrs
avg
Sun Hours/Day
6
peak
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Cost Per Watt by System Size in Hawaii
Cost per watt typically decreases for larger systems (economies of scale).
Bars show Hawaii's $/W for each system size. Lower = better value.
| System Size | Cost Per Watt | Total Cost | vs National Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 kW | $3.41/W | $13,640 | +$0.71 |
| 5 kW | $3.26/W | $16,300 | +$0.56 |
| 6 kW | $3.16/W | $18,960 | +$0.46 |
| 7 kW | $3.10/W | $21,700 | +$0.40 |
| 8 kW | $3.04/W | $24,320 | +$0.34 |
| 10 kW | $2.95/W | $29,500 | +$0.25 |
| 15 kW | $2.85/W | $42,750 | +$0.15 |
Solar Cost Overview for Hawaii
In Hawaii, the average installed cost for residential solar is $3.10 per watt, with typical systems ranging from $3.10/W to $3.10/Wdepending on the installer, equipment quality, and roof complexity. Hawaii ranks #46 out of 51 states (1 = cheapest) for solar affordability — 44 states have cheaper solar.
Hawaii is near the national average — solid value with good installers.
What's Driving Hawaii's Solar Costs?
Hawaii's $$3.10/W average reflects a combination of near average equipment costs,above-average local utility rates ($0.520/kWh vs national avg $0.1844/kWh), and above-average solar resource (6 sun hours/day vs national avg 4.7).
Note on panel pricing:Prices shown reflect AVL/DomCon-compliant panels. The 30% residential federal tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025 — an owned residential system installed in 2026 receives $0 in federal credit regardless of panel choice. Non-compliant panels (Mission, JA, Canadian) are available from $0.37/W panel-only and additionally disqualify the Section 48E credit (lease/PPA/commercial) and IRA bonus credits.See current ITC status →
Hawaii Solar Incentives & Policies
Net Metering
Reduced-rate net billing
State Tax Credit
Available
Property Tax Exemption
Yes
Sales Tax Exemption
No
⚠ 2026 Federal ITC Update
The Section 25D residential solar tax credit (30%) expired December 31, 2025. Owned residential systems installed in 2026 no longer qualify. The 48E ITC (30%) remains available for lease/PPA, commercial, and rental properties that began construction before July 4, 2026.
States With Similar Solar Costs
| State | Avg $/W | vs Hawaii | Payback | Sun Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hawaii (you) | $3.10 | — | 3.1 yrs | 6 |
| Connecticut | $3.10 | +$0.00 | 8 yrs | 4.4 |
| Massachusetts | $3.10 | +$0.00 | 7.8 yrs | 4.3 |
| New York | $3.10 | +$0.00 | 7.4 yrs | 4.4 |
| Maine | $3.06 | $-0.04 | 8.1 yrs | 4.1 |
| Vermont | $3.06 | $-0.04 | 9.6 yrs | 4 |
Hawaii Solar Cost FAQs
How much do solar panels cost in Hawaii?
Is Hawaii a cheap or expensive state for solar?
What is the payback period for solar in Hawaii?
Does Hawaii have net metering?
What solar incentives are available in Hawaii?
How many peak sun hours does Hawaii get?
Related Tools
Hawaii cost-per-watt data based on 3 ZIP code samples. Production estimates use NREL PVWatts V8 (azimuth 180°, tilt 30°, array_type 1, module_type 1, losses 14%). Utility rate averages from NREL Utility Rate API V3. The federal Section 25D residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025.