Solar Panels for Homes in Kona and the Big Island
Independent Energy Hawaii installs home solar and batteries in Kona and West Hawaii today, and our Kona branch is coming soon. Big Island pricing is about $5,000 more than Oahu: about $25,000 for a 5 kW system up to about $51,000 for 15 kW before incentives. An 8 kW system with one Tesla Powerwall 3 costs about $47,000-48,000.
Most Big Island installs take about 2-3 months from signing to turn-on, mainly waiting on Hawaii County permits and Hawaiian Electric approval. To get started, request a free estimate or call 808-460-6015.
What solar costs on the Big Island
| System size | Solar only | Solar + 1 Powerwall 3 |
|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $25,000-$26,000 | $38,000-$39,000 |
| 8 kW | $34,000-$35,000 | $47,000-$48,000 |
| 10 kW | $39,500-$40,500 | $52,500-$53,500 |
| 12 kW | $43,000-$45,000 | $56,000-$58,000 |
| 15 kW | $49,000-$51,000 | $62,000-$64,000 |
Cash prices before incentives, based on an asphalt shingle roof with no electrical upgrades. The added cost on the Big Island covers travel and logistics. See add-on costs and how quotes compare on our Hawaii solar cost page.
How long a Big Island install takes
Most Big Island homes go from signed contract to system on in about 2-3 months. That includes design, the Hawaii County permit, Hawaiian Electric approval, installation (usually just a few days on site) and final inspection. Permitting varies by home, so this is a typical range, not a guarantee.
Our Kona branch: coming soon
We already serve Kona and West Hawaii, and a local Kona branch is on the way. That means faster scheduling and service on the west side. Until it opens, call our main line at 808-460-6015.
Where we install on the Big Island
We install and service homes in Kona and West Hawaii today, with a Kona branch coming soon. We can also help with off-grid installs.
Built for Big Island conditions
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Vog, dust and salt. Vog, dust and salt can lower solar production over time. We recommend panel washing twice a year, more often near the ocean or coast. Cleaning needs depend on your property and exposure; production changes vary by system and conditions. Vog is especially relevant on the Big Island. Maui and Oahu can also periodically experience vog during Kona winds, when winds shift away from the usual northeast trades and can carry volcanic haze toward the other islands. Explore panel washing and SolarServe care; extra washing beyond your plan is separate.
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Outages. A properly sized battery can power selected essentials during an outage, depending on stored charge, loads, weather and system design. See our outage prep guide.
Why Big Island homeowners choose Independent Energy Hawaii
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Locally owned in Hawaii, with a Kona branch coming soon
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NABCEP-certified, Tesla Premier Certified Installer and certified Enphase installer
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2,000+ installations and 300+ five-star Google reviews
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Up to 30 years of coverage through Solar Insure
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Service after the sale through SolarServe, even for systems we didn’t install
Ready to see your numbers? Get a free estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who installs solar panels in Kona?
How much does solar cost on the Big Island?
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See what works for your home
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