Hawaii Clean Energy Guide
The Aloha State leads the nation in clean energy ambition with a 100% renewable electricity mandate by 2045—the first U.S. state to set such a goal. High electricity costs and abundant sunshine make Hawaii a proving ground for solar-plus-storage.
Policy Overview
Hawaii's 100% RPS by 2045 is the most ambitious in the nation. The Hawaii Public Utilities Commission oversees implementation, with interim targets ensuring progress. The state has also set a goal of net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045.
Net metering has been replaced with successor programs like Customer Grid Supply and Smart Export due to high rooftop solar penetration. Battery storage incentives encourage customers to pair solar with storage for grid stability.
Active Projects & Development
Utility-Scale Solar + Storage
Multiple large solar-plus-storage projects are under development across Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island, with 4-hour battery storage enabling solar to serve evening peak demand.
Rooftop Solar Leadership
Hawaii has the highest rooftop solar penetration in the nation, with roughly 1 in 3 single-family homes having solar panels installed.
Offshore Wind Studies
BOEM is studying offshore wind potential around Hawaii's islands, which could provide additional renewable resources to meet 100% RPS goals.
Major Developers & Utilities
Hawaiian Electric
Primary utility serving Oahu, Maui, and Hawaii Island
Kauai Island Utility Cooperative
Cooperative achieving 70%+ renewable on Kauai
AES Corporation
Major developer of solar + storage projects
Clearway Energy
Utility-scale solar developer
Market Outlook
Hawaii will continue aggressive solar and storage deployment to meet its 100% RPS. Battery storage is critical for island grids with no interconnection backup. The state is also electrifying transportation to reduce oil dependence.
Key opportunities include utility-scale solar-plus-storage, grid modernization, vehicle-to-grid integration, and emerging green hydrogen for maritime and aviation.
Grid Operations
Hawaii operates isolated island grids with no connection to any mainland grid or RTO/ISO. Each island (Oahu, Maui, Hawaii Island, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai) must independently balance supply and demand, making battery storage essential for renewable integration.