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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 →

Hawaii

ConsideringUpdated August 2, 2026

Hawaii has the nation's highest electricity rates, making plug-in solar especially attractive, but its two 2026 balcony-solar bills both died: HB 2435 (the 'Portable Plug-in Solar Generation Act') was deferred by the House Energy & Environmental Protection Committee on February 10, 2026, and its companion SB 2902 passed the Senate and a House committee before dying in the House Consumer Protection & Commerce Committee on May 8, 2026. Current rules still technically require a utility interconnection agreement even for small plug-in devices, which advocates call an impractical barrier. Expect renewed attempts in the 2027 session.

Get notified when Hawaii goes legal

Laws are spreading state by state. One email when Hawaii passes — no spam.

What You Can Use in Hawaii 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 in Hawaii right now, no law required.

Budget start

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus (288Wh Battery)

0.288 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel · recharges in ~4.4h

Powers: Phone, router, and lights through the outage, plus ~6 hours of CPAP a night

$299 + $199 panel
Check price ↗View panel ↗
Most popular

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1kWh Battery)

1.07 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel · recharges in ~16h

Powers: A fridge, router, and lights running through a full day outage

$449 + $199 panel
Check price ↗View panel ↗
Whole-apartment backup

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 (2.04kWh Battery)

2.042 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel · recharges in ~31h

Powers: A full-size fridge and CPAP for days, or a window AC unit for a few hours

$749 + $199 panel
Check price ↗View panel ↗

See the full solar backup guide

Runtime charts for real devices, more kit options, and setup steps.

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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

What a Hawaii Law Could Look Like

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Based on neighboring states

Utah (1,200W), Maine (600W), and Virginia (1,000W pending) provide the template. A Hawaii law would likely allow 600–1,200W systems to plug into standard household outlets — no permit required.

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High rates = strong economics

At Hawaii's avg. $0.410/kWh, a 600W system generating ~880 kWh/year saves roughly $361/year. Payback in as few as 2 years at current rates.

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Renters and condo owners

Plug-in solar requires no permanent installation — just an outlet. This makes it uniquely accessible to renters and condo owners who can't get rooftop solar.

FAQ

Is plug-in solar legal in Hawaii?
No. Both of Hawaii's 2026 balcony-solar bills died: HB 2435 (the Portable Plug-in Solar Generation Act) was deferred by committee on February 10, 2026, and its companion SB 2902 died in the House Consumer Protection & Commerce Committee on May 8, 2026. Hawaiian Electric's rules still 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?
Both died in the 2026 session. HB 2435 was deferred by the House Energy & Environmental Protection Committee on February 10, 2026. SB 2902 advanced further — passing the Senate and a House committee — before dying in the House Consumer Protection & Commerce Committee on May 8, 2026. Advocacy groups like Carbon Cashback Hawaii are expected to push for reintroduction in 2027.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor all 50 state legislatures. The moment Hawaii files a plug-in solar bill, you'll be the first to know.

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.