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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →
Pending legislation

Coming Soon — Hawaii is considering plug-in solar legislation

Would permit residential plug-in solar systems up to 1,200W without utility approval or interconnection requirements.

Get notified when Hawaii goes legal

We track every vote. One email when this bill passes — no spam.

🔋

Solar you can use in Hawaii today, while you wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal everywhere, including Hawaii, right now.

See solar backup options →

Bill Status

Bill number
TBD
Expected vote
Introduced — 2026 session
Proposed watt cap
1200W AC
As written in current bill text — subject to amendment
Primary utility
Hawaiian Electric (HECO)

Pending bill information may change as legislation advances. Bill text, watt caps, and effective dates are subject to amendment or failure. This is not legal advice.

What to Expect If This Passes

🔌

Up to 1200W, no permit

The bill as drafted would allow systems up to 1200W AC connected to a standard household outlet — no permit, no utility approval required.

⚡

No net metering

The bill does not include net metering for plug-in systems. Excess generation would not be credited. Self-consumption maximization is key.

🏠

Renters included

The bill does not restrict installation to homeowners. Renters would still need landlord consent, but no permanent installation is required.

Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 4.0%/yr avg — Moderate
Rates up 22% over the past 5 years
From $0.337/kWh in 2021 → $0.410/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.
4.0%
avg. annual increase
Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)
$0.337
2021
$0.350
2022
$0.364
2023
$0.379
2024
$0.394
2025
$0.410
2026
20-year projected rate
$0.898/kWh
at 4.0%/yr escalation
Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*
$4,009
vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)
Best time to go solar
Now
Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

Estimated Savings Preview

Based on Hawaii's $0.410/kWh avg. rate and 6 sun hours/day. Use this to plan — not to make a purchase yet.

Best-fit kits for Hawaii

sorted by your payback period
3yr payback~$6,586 lifetime savings

CraftStrom 400W Eco Line Plug-In Kit

400W Eco Line bifacial panel + ETL/UL 1741 microinverter.

Output
400W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
ETLUL1741
$530~$177/yr avg cost
Shop Now →
3yr payback~$13,440 lifetime savings

US Solar Supplier 810W Balcony Kit

Complete kit: Runergy panels, APsystems EZ1, SunModo awning racking.

Output
810W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 12 yr
UL1741IEEE1547
$969~$323/yr avg cost
Shop Now →
3yr payback~$13,232 lifetime savings

PluggedSolar 800W Plug-In Kit

Four 200W panels + UL 1741 microinverter + WiFi monitor. Sold on Amazon.

Output
800W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
UL1741
$999~$333/yr avg cost
Buy on Amazon →

Payback estimates use your current slider settings with each product's wattage and price. We earn an affiliate commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.

Default: 6h/day (Hawaii avg)
$1,200
$900$2,200
800W
400W1200W
60%
30%100%
$0.410/kWh
$0.080/kWh$0.400/kWh
Rate Escalation Scenario
Year 1 Generation
894 kWh
74 kWh/mo
Year 1 Savings
$366
$31/mo
Payback Period
4 yrs
by year 4
25-Year Savings
$14,231
net $13,031
ℹPanels typically last 25–30 years with a 25-year output warranty. Microinverters carry a 10–25 year warranty depending on brand. Battery modules degrade faster — expect 10–15 years before capacity drops below 80%. The 25-year savings figure above assumes the panel and inverter run for the full window; budget ~$200–$400 for an inverter swap around year 15 if needed.
Cumulative Savings vs. Break-even ($)
Selected scenario2% escalation8% escalationBreak-even
Calculator AssumptionsSavings estimates are projections based on average sun hours, self-consumption assumptions, and rate escalation scenarios. Actual results vary by roof orientation, shading, usage patterns, and local rate schedules. The federal ITC for residential solar expired December 31, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is plug-in solar legal in Hawaii?
As of June 2026, no plug-in/balcony solar law has been enacted in Hawaii, but the legislature has held hearings on bills like HB2435 (the Portable Plug-in Solar Generation Act) that would legalize and protect the right to use them. Currently, Hawaiian Electric's rules technically require an interconnection agreement even for small plug-in devices.
Can my HOA or landlord block balcony solar in Hawaii?
Under existing law (HRS 196-7), HOAs cannot ban solar energy devices on owned single-family homes or townhouses, though they can set placement rules. For renters and condo balconies, the picture is murkier; pending bills like HB2435 would explicitly stop landlords and HOAs from imposing blanket bans on portable plug-in solar.
Does Hawaiian Electric offer net metering for small solar?
Traditional net metering closed to new customers in 2015 and is being phased out further. New small systems instead use tariffs like CGS Plus or Smart Export, which pay variable, time-of-day rates for excess generation rather than full retail credit.
Why is balcony solar especially appealing in Hawaii?
Hawaii has the highest electricity rates in the United States, so even small plug-in solar systems can produce meaningful savings, and many residents live in condos or rentals without access to rooftop solar.
What's the status of Hawaii's balcony solar bills?
HB2435 and a 2026 bill introduced by Rep. Mike Lee, backed by groups like Carbon Cashback Hawaii, propose protecting renters' and condo owners' rights to use portable plug-in solar on balconies and lanais. As of June 2026 these remain pending rather than enacted law.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor the Hawaii legislature and will email you the moment TBD is signed into law or fails. No spam — one email per bill outcome.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.