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Energy Rebates in Hawaii
Hawaii residents can access a range of federal energy tax credits, state-specific incentive programs, and local utility rebates to help offset the cost of energy-efficient home improvements. This page covers the key programs available in Hawaii, including heat pump rebates, solar incentives, EV charger credits, weatherization assistance, and more. Each program listed below includes eligibility details and links to official sources.
Federal Programs Available in Hawaii
- 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit: Up to $3,200/year for heat pumps, insulation, windows, doors, electrical panels, and home energy audits. Covers 30% of costs.
- 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit: 30% tax credit for solar panels and battery storage with no dollar cap. Available through 2032.
- HOMES & HEAR Rebates: Income-qualified point-of-sale rebates up to $14,000 for heat pumps, water heaters, electrical panels, and other electrification upgrades.
- 30C EV Charger Credit: Up to $1,000 for home EV charging equipment in eligible census tracts.
- Weatherization Assistance Program (WAP): Free weatherization services for low-income households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Hawaii Energy Rebate Overview
Hawaii households have access to a combination of federal, state, and local utility incentives designed to make energy-efficient home upgrades more affordable. Hawaii has launched both the HOMES (Home Owner Managing Energy Savings) and HEAR (High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate) programs under the Inflation Reduction Act, making additional point-of-sale rebates available to qualifying residents. The Hawaii State Energy Office coordinates state-level energy programs and can provide the latest information on available incentives.
HOMES & HEAR Program Status in Hawaii
Hawaii has launched both the HOMES and HEAR programs through the Hawaii State Energy Office, providing rebates for whole-home energy efficiency retrofits and high-efficiency electric appliances. Hawaii received over $48 million in IRA funding for these programs.
Income Eligibility for Hawaii Rebates
For a family of four in Honolulu County, 80% AMI is approximately $86,400. Outer islands have lower thresholds. Low-income households qualify for up to 100% of project costs covered under HOMES.
For a family of four in Honolulu County, 150% AMI is approximately $162,000. Moderate-income households qualify for up to 50% of project costs under HOMES.
Hawaii State Tax Credits
Hawaii Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit
Amount: 35% of installed cost for solar PV (capped at $5,000), 35% for solar thermal (capped at $2,250), and 20% for wind systems (capped at $1,500)
Eligible items: Solar photovoltaic systems, solar thermal systems, wind energy systems, and battery storage systems paired with renewable energy
This is a non-refundable state income tax credit that can be carried forward. The credit is claimed in the tax year the system is placed in service. It stacks with the federal 30% ITC.
Hawaii State Rebate Programs
Hawaii Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
Administered by: Hawaii Energy (administered by Leidos)
Amount: $200-$1,500 depending on measure
Eligible items: Energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, HVAC systems, heat pump water heaters, building envelope improvements
Hawaii Energy is the state's ratepayer-funded conservation and efficiency program. Rebates are available for residential and commercial customers of HECO, MECO, and HELCO.
Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate
Administered by: Hawaii Energy
Amount: Up to $1,000 for qualifying heat pump water heaters
Eligible items: ENERGY STAR certified heat pump water heaters replacing electric resistance or propane water heaters
Additional bonuses may be available for income-qualified households. Must be installed by a licensed contractor.
Solar Net Metering in Hawaii
Hawaii transitioned from traditional net metering to Customer Grid-Supply (CGS) and Customer Self-Supply (CSS) programs. Under CGS, customers receive a credit for exported solar energy at a rate lower than the retail rate. CSS requires all solar generation to be used on-site. Smart Export programs offer time-of-use export credits.
Utility Rebate Programs in Hawaii
Hawaii residents may qualify for additional rebates from their local utility company. Here are programs from major utilities serving the state:
Hawaiian Electric (HECO)
Customer Grid-Supply Program
Amount: Export credit rate varies by island (approximately $0.10-$0.15/kWh)
Eligible items: Grid-connected solar PV and battery storage systems
Battery Bonus Program
Amount: Up to $850/kW for residential battery storage
Eligible items: Battery energy storage systems paired with solar PV
Time-of-Use Rate Program
Amount: Lower rates during off-peak hours; higher rates during peak (5-9 PM)
Eligible items: All residential customers with smart meters
Maui Electric (MECO)
Customer Renewable Programs
Amount: Export credits vary by program tier
Eligible items: Solar PV systems, battery storage, and solar-plus-storage systems
Hawaii Electric Light (HELCO)
Customer Renewable Programs
Amount: Export credits vary by program tier
Eligible items: Solar PV systems, battery storage, and solar-plus-storage systems
Get Personalized Hawaii Rebate Guidance
Enter your ZIP code below to chat with our AI about rebates specific to your area in Hawaii. The AI will check federal, state, and utility programs and give you a personalized breakdown of what you may qualify for and how to apply.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaii Rebates
What energy rebates are available in Hawaii?
Hawaii residents can access federal tax credits including the 25C Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (up to $3,200/year) and the 25D Residential Clean Energy Credit (30% for solar and battery storage). State-level programs include Hawaii Energy Efficiency Rebate Program, Heat Pump Water Heater Rebate. Hawaii has also launched the federal HOMES and HEAR rebate programs for income-qualifying households.
Has Hawaii launched the HOMES and HEAR rebate programs?
Hawaii has launched both the HOMES and HEAR programs through the Hawaii State Energy Office, providing rebates for whole-home energy efficiency retrofits and high-efficiency electric appliances. Hawaii received over $48 million in IRA funding for these programs.
What are the income limits for energy rebates in Hawaii?
For a family of four in Honolulu County, 80% AMI is approximately $86,400. Outer islands have lower thresholds. Low-income households qualify for up to 100% of project costs covered under HOMES. For a family of four in Honolulu County, 150% AMI is approximately $162,000. Moderate-income households qualify for up to 50% of project costs under HOMES.
Does Hawaii have net metering for solar panels?
Hawaii transitioned from traditional net metering to Customer Grid-Supply (CGS) and Customer Self-Supply (CSS) programs. Under CGS, customers receive a credit for exported solar energy at a rate lower than the retail rate. CSS requires all solar generation to be used on-site. Smart Export programs offer time-of-use export credits.
How do I apply for energy rebates in Hawaii?
Start by entering your ZIP code on Rebate Atlas to get personalized guidance. For federal tax credits (25C and 25D), you claim them when you file your federal income tax return using IRS Form 5695. For state programs, contact the Hawaii State Energy Office. For utility rebates, check with your local utility provider directly.
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