Affordable Maui Solar PV Systems in Maui

How do solar PV systems work?

Solar PV systems convert sunlight directly into electricity through the use of solar panels, also known as modules. The solar panels are mounted on your roof or ground and absorb the sun’s energy. This energy creates an electrical current which is fed into an inverter. The inverter converts the DC power into usable AC power to run appliances and equipment in your home or business.

Any excess electricity generated is fed back into the utility grid via a net metering agreement with your electricity provider, Hawaiian Electric Company. This results in net metering credits which reduce your future electricity bills.

Benefits of installing solar PV in Maui

There are many excellent reasons to go solar if you are a resident or business owner in Maui:

Abundant sunlight – Maui enjoys very high solar irradiance levels, averaging 5 to 6 kWh/m2/day. This means solar panels are extremely effective at converting sunlight into electricity.

High electricity rates – Electricity prices in Hawaii are triple the national average at over 30¢/kWh. Going solar provides great savings on your energy bills.

Energy independence – Produce your own clean electricity and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. Maui’s electricity is generated burning expensive oil.

Sustainability – PV systems generate clean, renewable energy all year. They help reduce Hawaii’s carbon emissions and protect our fragile island ecosystem.

Return on investment – Although there are initial purchase and installation costs, a solar PV system will pay for itself in under 5 years with the accumulated energy savings.

Increased home value – Installing solar adds approximately 4% to your home’s value and makes it more attractive to potential buyers.

State and federal tax credits – Qualify for tax credits to reduce the upfront costs of your solar PV system purchase.

Key components of a solar PV system

While solar panels are the most visible part of a PV system, there are other key components that make up a complete system:

Inverters – As mentioned, inverters convert the DC electricity from the solar array into usable AC power for your home’s outlets and appliances. We often recommend Enphase microinverters as each solar panel has its own inverter for maximum efficiency.

Racking – Mounting equipment securely fixes the solar panels in place, typically on rooftops or ground mounts. We use non-penetrating racking systems to avoid any damage.

Monitoring – Remote monitoring allows you to view your system’s real-time and historical performance data through a smartphone app or web portal. This helps ensure your system is always operating at its optimum.

Batteries – While optional, adding battery storage allows excess solar energy to be stored for use at night or during power outages. This provides maximum energy independence and savings.

Typical residential PV system installtion process

At Da Power Electric, we make installing solar power systems simple and hassle-free for homeowners. Our typical process looks like this:

Initial site evaluation – We visit your home or business to assess the best areas to mount your solar panels. We analyze angles, shading, and roofing types.

Custom system design – After modeling the site and your historical energy consumption, we design a system optimized for maximum production.

Proposal and financing options – You will receive a detailed project proposal outlining system specifications, total costs, incentives, projected savings, and financing options if required.

Permitting – We handle the building permit application process and all required approvals and inspections with the local authorities on your behalf.

Installation – Our professional team will install your solar system neatly, minimizing disturbance and using the highest safety standards.

Final inspection – The County will inspect the finished installation for compliance with building and electrical codes and safety regulations.

Interconnection – We facilitate the final process of connecting your system to the utility grid and your home’s electrical panel.

Operation – Once connected, your system will silently convert free solar energy into electricity for decades to come. We also provide ongoing monitoring and maintenance services.

Why choose Da Power Electric as your solar provider?

With over 500 successful solar installations across Maui completed, you can count on Da Power Electric’s expertise for your PV system needs:

Locally owned and operated – As longtime Maui residents, we pride ourselves in serving our local community.

Licensed & insured – We are a fully licensed electrical contractor (License #C-16409) and carry complete insurance coverage.

Premium equipment – We only install industry-leading solar modules and components with decades-long expected lifespans.

Experience – Our veteran team has been designing and installing PV systems in Maui for over a decade.

Warranty – We stand behind our workmanship and installations with 10-year installation warranties.

One stop shop – From permitting through interconnection, we handle the entire end-to-end process seamlessly for you.

Typical Costs and Savings with a PV Solar System

“How much does a solar PV system cost?” is often the first question asked. While costs can vary considerably based on your specific site requirements and electricity usage, here are some typical expenses for a residential solar installation in Maui:

Solar panels – $2.50-$3.50 per watt, so a 5kW system would be $12,500-$17,500 for the panels.

Inverters – $0.20-$0.40 per watt, so $1000-$2000 for 5kW system.

Racking, wiring, conduit – Approximately $1000 for a 5kW install.

Permits, inspection – Up to $1000 total.

Installation labor – Around $2000-$3000 depending on system size, roof type, accessibility.

Total cost – A 5kW solar PV system for a typical single family home would be around $18,000-$25,000 after the 30% federal tax credit incentive.

In terms of energy savings, a properly sized 5kW system for a 1500 sq ft Maui home using 18,000 kWh annually would produce around 7000 kWh of electricity from the sun. With Hawaiian Electric’s residential energy rate at $0.31/kWh, the annual savings would be over $2150.

This means the complete installed PV system could pay for itself in 7-10 years. And the useful life of a solar PV system is typically 25-30 years, providing many extra years of free renewable energy.

Note that these cost examples do not include solar battery storage. This can add $5000-$10,000 to the overall system cost. However batteries provide energy security during grid outages. They also allow time-shifting solar energy to more expensive evening peak rate times when the sun is not shining.

There are also excellent financing options available for those who prefer not to purchase systems outright. Options include:

Loans – Unsecured personal loans or home equity loans/lines of credit offer flexible multi-year loan terms at competitive rates.

Leasing – No or low upfront costs options exist through solar leasing programs from SolarCity and others.

PPA – Power purchase agreements allow homeowners to buy solar electricity generated onsite at a fixed rate without purchasing the system.

Discuss your particular situation with our solar consultants to determine the optimum financing method for you when purchasing a PV system.

Ideal Locations for PV Systems in Maui

Maui offers many prime spots to install solar panels and generate clean renewable energy from the sun. Some key areas well suited for solar PV projects include:

South Maui – The sunniest, driest parts of the island, especially Kihei, Wailea, and Makena. Abundant sunshine and minimal clouds or rain from enduring trade winds.

West Maui – Locations like Lahaina and Kaanapali have excellent solar resources. However, panels require occasional cleaning due to higher rainfall and lush vegetation.

Central Maui – Areas around Kahului and Wailuku have slightly more overcast days but otherwise offer great solar potential.

Upcountry/Haleakala – Higher elevations on the slopes of Haleakala mean cooler temperatures and potentially more snow. But solar production remains high during sunny days.

North Shore – More rainfall occurs in this tropical area, so careful panel siting and regular maintenance is recommended. But solar is still viable.

Lanai & Molokai – Maui’s neighboring islands have superb weather for solar systems to offset high electricity costs.

We have installed successful PV systems in all regions of Maui. The island offers tremendous solar resources overall. Careful equipment selection and siting is important to maximize production and return on investment based on microclimate factors.

Benefits of Commercial Solar PV Systems

In addition to residential applications, Maui businesses can reap even greater rewards by deploying commercial-scale solar PV systems.

The benefits for companies and organizations installing solar include:

• Offset up to 100% of electricity costs
• Hedge against rising energy rates
• Improve sustainability and meet ESG goals
• Enhance public image and reputation
• Reduce maintenance of legacy energy infrastructure
• Provide shade and coverage in parking lots or open spaces
• Replace roofing and obtain weather protection
• Attract tenants with green, low-cost power (REITs, retail chains)
• Increase employee satisfaction and retention

Schools, hotels, shopping centers, warehouses, airports, military bases, municipal buildings and more can all save substantially on monthly power bills by adopting solar. Agricultural operations can use solar PV to run irrigation pumps and equipment. The modular nature of solar allows systems to be sized precisely to match historical usage.

Tax incentives are also available including a 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Accelerated depreciation enables businesses to swiftly realize additional tax benefits.

Let the commercial solar experts at Da Power Electric perform a free assessment and deliver a proposal tailored to your organization’s needs and priorities. Investing in solar PV systems continues to provide a win-win scenario for Maui’s companies trying to reduce overhead costs and operate more sustainably.

The Future of Solar Energy in Maui is Bright

We have covered the major benefits, technology and applications of solar PV systems for Maui homes and businesses. This clean, renewable energy source has immense potential for wider adoption across the island.

Several planned initiatives and trends will support Maui’s solar expansion:

The Maui Solar Project proposes adding 23MW of solar generation in Central and South Maui along with 185 MWh of battery storage.

Hawaiian Electric has set aggressive renewable energy targets of 60% by 2030 and 100% by 2045 across the state.

More affordable solar battery options will become available, spurring growth in home solar+storage systems.

Maui’s leaders continue incentivizing renewable energy projects to meet economic development and sustainability goals.

Rising fossil fuel prices will make solar power increasingly attractive to alleviate financial burdens.

New solar farms proposed by Kenyon Energy, Pacific Energy and others will feed clean energy to the local grid.

Ongoing community solar programs allow those unable to install rooftop panels to participate in and benefit from solar.

With abundant natural resources and supportive policies, Maui is poised to continue leading Hawaii’s clean energy revolution. Contact Da Power Electric today to discuss how you can personally leverage solar PV systems to join the island’s renewable future.