Solar Energy in Hawaii County, HI (2026)
1 rule for unincorporated Hawaii County, Hawaii.
Verified from official government sources
Note: These county rules apply to unincorporated areas of Hawaii County. If you live within an incorporated city, that city's own rules apply: see the city list below.
Panel Permits
Every rooftop or ground-mount solar photovoltaic system on the Big Island needs a Hawai'i County building permit before installation, replacement, or relocation. Residential systems above 10 kilowatts, and every non-residential system regardless of size, also need drawings stamped by a licensed Hawai'i engineer or architect.
Solar Panel Permit Rules in Hawaii County
Some RestrictionsHawai'i County Code § 5-3-1(b)(4); § 5-4-3(f)
Section 5-3-1(b). A permit shall be required for, but not limited to, the following: ... (4) Solar photovoltaic systems. Complete new installations of all solar photovoltaic residential and non-residential systems, or the replacement of an existing system with all new components, or relocation of panels from roof to ground or vice versa. ... Section 5-4-3(f). Installation of photovoltaic system...
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