Solar panels have been a hot topic for years now, and there’s never been a better time to consider adding solar capabilities to your home. Especially here in Oahu, where we have an abundance of natural and renewable energy options, the conversation is hard to escape. 2026 could be the year you finally make the switch, thanks to shifting incentives, Hawaii’s high electricity costs, and an unpredictable grid that’s seen its share of outages.
But is it the right year for you?
Saving Money & Frustration
Trying to save money or cut back on your energy use this year? It’s tough! Hawaii has some of the highest electricity rates in the nation, so adding solar and producing your own power from sunlight can save you a significant amount over time. HECO’s Smart Renewable Energy export rates and buy-back program offer substantial savings on any energy bill.
You can take your solar one step further by adding a solar battery to capture any unused energy instead of selling it back to HECO. This protects your home from rate increases and continues to save you money on bad-weather days when your panels don’t generate as much power.
More Affordable than Ever
Investing in solar is a big step and can be daunting. Not to mention expensive! However, as the industry has advanced and grown, solar panels have become far more affordable. Homeowners can also count on a number of incentives to help make the upfront cost more manageable, from federal rebates to community-based programs.
Here on Oahu, the solar-curious have many options.
- HECO’s Bring Your Own Device Plus (BYOD Plus) program benefits those interested in adding a solar battery to their array
- The Hawaiʻi Green Infrastructure Authority’s GEM$ Energy Services Program offers options for low and moderate-income households
- Depending on the company you get your solar equipment from, many offer lease programs and financing options to lower the barrier to entry for many households
Keeping the Lights On
Isolated island grids like Oahu’s can be fragile and sometimes unreliable, especially during generator failures or extreme weather events. Rolling blackouts have happened or loomed in recent years when generation dips or renewable output drops unexpectedly. By saving your excess energy for a “rainy day” with a solar battery, you can protect your home from our frequent grid problems and outages.
Many local residents have experienced an increasing number of blackouts and power interruptions, which makes the idea of having your own power more than just a way to lower bills. It can bring peace of mind during grid disruptions. Here’s where solar with battery backup shines:
- Backup power: Batteries store excess solar energy for use when the grid is down or during evenings and cloudy days
- Resilience during outages: Instead of sitting in the dark during a blackout, a solar-plus-storage system can keep your essential circuits running
- Energy independence: Less reliance on imported oil and distant generators means real control over your power
This doesn’t mean every solar system eliminates all outages, but it’s a huge step up from being fully grid-dependent.
Is 2026 the Right Year for You?
Here are a few quick questions to help you decide:
- Are you tired of high electricity bills?
- Solar can cut or even nearly eliminate your monthly electric bill over time
- Do blackouts or grid reliability worry you?
- Pairing solar with battery storage can give you power when the grid can’t, which is a real peace-of-mind benefit here on Oahu
- Are you interested in reducing your carbon footprint?
- Incorporating solar energy into your home significantly reduces your impact on the planet
- Are you planning to stay in your home for many years?
- Solar is a long-term investment. The sooner you start, the more you benefit
If you answered yes to any of these, then 2026 might be your year to go solar!
Already Have Solar Panels?
Great! You’re one step ahead. Solar panels are a great investment for many homes, and there’s always a way to make your system more useful and efficient. For you, 2026 may be the year to upgrade outdated panels, update your inverter, or add new panels to your array. Solar batteries and energy storage immediately improve your system and improve your energy resilience. The possibilities for growth are endless!
Let’s Get Started
For Oahu homeowners, the stars really are aligning in 2026 to make solar both affordable and practical, especially given Hawaii’s high energy costs and grid challenges. Acting now can mean more savings, more resilience, and more energy independence for your home.
If you’re ready to learn more or start designing your solar array, contact the experts at Holu Hou Energy! Our team is ready and waiting to get your project rolling. Made by Hawaiians for Hawaiians, our solar products help you make the most of your energy use.
