You May Qualify for a Cash Incentive to Add Energy Storage to an Existing or New Rooftop Solar System

Hawaiian Electric will pay a cash incentive for customers on Oahu to add energy storage (a battery) to an existing or new rooftop solar system. This one-time incentive is positioned to add more renewable resources to the grid in the short-term when the AES coal-fired plant is retired in September 2022.

While not all customers will qualify, Sunspear Energy will work with customers to determine if and at what level an addition of battery storage will award them the rebate. Currently the Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has capped the program at a total of 50 MW supplied from storage.

  • Customers accepted in the program for the first 15 megawatts will receive $850 per kilowatt. (Example:  5 kilowatts would yield a $4,250 payment.)
  • Customers who sign up for the next 15 megawatts will receive $750 per kilowatt.
  • Customers who sign up for the last 20 megawatts will receive $500 per kilowatt.

Note: Customer must fulfill the obligation discussed below to receive the full amount.

This is a program designed to address an emergency energy reliability shortfall caused by the retirement of the AES coal plant. HECO is providing an upfront compensation payment to pre-schedule a battery system to perform a specific task in exchange for that payment.

The details of the program are still being worked out, but here are some of the current guidelines:

  • It appears that this offering is best suited for existing Net Energy Metering (NEM) customers that receive the full retail export credit.
  • Solar contractors will be able to enroll customers into the program in two ways and it will be based on specifics of the customer’s current system.
  • Customers will be able to add up to 5 kW in additional PV panels along with the new battery capacity.
  • Customers that apply for an amendment for batteries installed after July 1, 2021 are eligible.
  • Those who completed their installation and received permission to operate prior to July 1, 2021 may not eligible. This is still under consideration by HSEA and DER Parties.
  • In order to “lock-in” the compensation payment, applicants will have to present proof of a building permit or building permit application with the C&C Department of Planning and Permitting.
  • There are requirements for the performance of the battery system and the timing that it will need to meet — your solar contractor will assist you with those mandates.
  • For in-depth, current information about the program, go to HECO’s Battery Bonus website CLICK HERE

Sunspear will assist all solar customers who wish to add a battery to determine if and how they can qualify for this Battery Bonus rebate program. Talk to our energy consultants at Sunspear Energy.

Whether you qualify or not, a solar energy system with or without a battery will save you money on your electric bill, help Hawaii to attain its sustainability goal, and add value to your home. See what Sunspear Energy can do for you.