Solar Energy in Hawaii (2026)

6 rules on the books across Hawaii, 3 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.

Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions

Panel Permits

Permits required for installing rooftop or ground-mounted solar panels, including electrical inspections and interconnection approvals.

Hawaii bars county building departments from issuing a permit for any new single-family home unless it includes a solar…

Every rooftop or ground-mount solar photovoltaic system on the Big Island needs a Hawai'i County building permit before…

Honolulu requires new homes to be built solar-ready, with an electrical panel sized to accommodate a future rooftop…

Maui County requires a Fire Prevention Bureau permit before installing or modifying any photovoltaic system under its…

State and local laws that limit what HOAs can restrict when it comes to solar panel installation, placement, and appearance.

HRS Section 196-7 prohibits any homeowners association, condominium, or planned community from preventing the…

California SB-379 (and equivalent laws) requiring cities to offer same-day or near-same-day automated solar permits, plus SolarAPP+ adoption.

Honolulu must approve or deny rooftop solar permit applications within 14 calendar days, or 28 days for projects over…