Going solar on Oahu, Maui or the Big Island: what is different on each island?

An Oahu installation might take six weeks, while a Kona project might take closer to three months. These are illustrative timelines, not specific customer projects.

That is normal. Each county runs its own permit office, travel and logistics vary, and the team that installs your system may be based on a different island than the one you live on. None of that should stop you from going solar. It just helps to know what to expect before you start.

Here is how going solar compares on Oahu, Maui and in Kona/West Hawaii on the Big Island.

What is the same on every island

Some things do not change no matter where you live:

• The process. Site survey, design, permits and utility approval, installation, inspection, then permission to operate.

• The coverage. Every Independent Energy Hawaii system includes up to 30 years of coverage through Solar Insure.

• The service. Every proposal includes the first year of SolarServe Standard, so someone keeps checking on your system after it is on.

• The battery advice. We recommend every solar customer add a battery. Savings and backup depend on equipment, usage, utility rules, weather and stored charge.

Island by island at a glance

Timelines are typical ranges from signing to system on, not guarantees. Permitting varies by home.

Oahu

Oahu is where Independent Energy Hawaii is headquartered, at 1580 Makaloa St. in Honolulu. Most Oahu homes go from signed contract to system on in about 1 to 2 months, with most of that time spent waiting on City and County of Honolulu permits and Hawaiian Electric approval. The installation itself usually takes just a few days.

Townhomes and HOA properties can take longer, since they often need extra approvals. If that is you, plan for a little more time and ask about it up front.

See Oahu prices and timelines.

Maui

Maui homeowners pay the same prices as Oahu. Our local Maui team, led by Maui General Manager Matt Johnson, works out of our office at 400 Hana Hwy in Kahului. A typical Maui home system is 8 to 10 kW with one Tesla Powerwall 3, at about $42,000 to $48,500 cash.

Most Maui systems are installed and running about 1 to 2 months after signing. Maui customers who add a Powerwall 3 save $500, and families affected by the Lahaina fire save $2,500.

See Maui prices and timelines.

Big Island

We install and service homes in Kona and West Hawaii today. Kona and West Hawaii pricing is about $5,000 higher than Oahu for travel and logistics. Most installs take about 2 to 3 months from signing.

Vog and dust build up on Big Island panels faster than most homeowners expect. It is not a dramatic failure. It is a slow drop in output. Regular panel washing makes a real difference here.

See Big Island prices and timelines.

How to get started on any island

• Request an estimate. We give no-hassle estimates, site unseen.

• Site survey. We confirm your roof, electrical panel and any add-ons.

• Flat-price proposal. Every add-on is priced upfront.

• Permits and install. We handle the paperwork and move straight into permitting.

Key takeaways

• Oahu and Maui share the same pricing. Big Island pricing is about $5,000 higher.

• Oahu and Maui installs typically take 1 to 2 months. The Big Island typically takes 2 to 3.

• Independent Energy Hawaii has a Honolulu headquarters, a Kahului office and a Kona branch on the way.

Wherever you live, Independent Energy Hawaii can show you exactly what solar looks like for your home.

The first year of SolarServe Standard is included with new IEH installs. Ongoing membership after that year is separate.

We recommend every solar customer consider a battery for evening energy use and selected-circuit backup. Savings and runtime depend on system design, usage, utility rules, weather and stored charge. Solar without batteries remains available; off-grid operation requires a separate assessment.

Solar Insure coverage is subject to equipment eligibility and policy terms.

Discounts may change and are confirmed at the site survey.