We Welcome Local Power
More Local Power
Energy no kākou, na kākou
Energy by us, for us
When the storms come and the fires come, we will be ready. The moment is now to install a rooftop solar energy plus storage system where ‘ohana are first to derive economic benefits from our abundant natural resources.
We have a unique, once-in-a-generation opportunity for households to own a solar PV (Photovoltaic) + storage system by simply continuing to pay our monthly electric bill.
Solarize808’s intention is supporting a thriving Hawai‘i. Renewable energy is ‘āina stewardship because we will generate power for our homes from our island sun. Solarize808 brings key pieces together for an easy and affordable Solar PV with battery storage package for families in the Wai‘anae Moku and Ko‘olauloa communities. Depending on the financing program selected, a Solarize808 system may not require any new monthly bills or money down. The price of the system itself is deeply discounted because of generous State and Federal tax credits, and eventually (once the system is paid off), you could see a reduced utility bill by up to 90%. This means solar may reduce a $250/month utility bill down to only $25*/month after the loan is paid off. Solar PV can lead our community towards greater energy Ea (sovereignty).
Solarize808 brings together the following to make Solar PV + Storage possible for our island families:
- A number of financing options, including an innovative government loan program
- Once-in-a-generation generous tax credits from both State and Federal governments
- Solar contractors vetted for workmanship, customer service, and values alignment
- Favorable prices due to bulk purchasing
- Support and consumer protection to help navigate this often complex process and any problems you encounter with the contractor including: preventing oversized systems charging you for energy you don’t use, predatory installation contracts, extended workmanship warranties and contractors who don’t answer their phone or take months to do repairs, etc.
- And access to other ways to reduce energy consumption in your home.
As we transition into a just clean energy future, locally sited, small scale and community connected renewable energy networks are needed now more than ever.











Solarize808 is led by trusted community leaders like Aunty Kapua Keliikoa-Kamai of the Wai‘anae Sustainability Co-op, Sharlette Poe of L.E.I Foundation in the Wai‘anae Moku, Aunty Dotty Kelly-Paddock of Hui o Hau‘ula, and CNHA (Council for Native Hawaiian Advancement). Together, in collaboration with key energy leaders as allies who bring unprecedented technical and financing support, Solarize808 is able to invite our communities to take advantage of quality clean energy solutions that are rooted in our cultural values. These energy solutions are the foundation for generating household wealth, for abundance and resilience of our ‘āina, and for us, local people.
We serve as liaisons to bring families in connection with pono solar contractors to see our communities and our companies gain economic benefits from our locally generated energy sources.
105 of your neighbors have already signed up!
Solar 101; Frequently Asked Questions
A Rooftop Solar Energy system is made up of several important components to help provide clean solar electricity for our homes and businesses. These components are 1) Solar Modules, 2) Inverters, 3) Safety equipment like shut-off devices and module-level power electronics, 4) communications equipment to help you monitor your system, and 5) the racking structure that holds solar panels to the roof. Each piece plays a critical role in ensuring a safe and reliable source of clean energy from your solar energy system.
Solar Panels produce electrons when hit by sunlight. Those electrons gather together and travel along tiny conductors inside the solar panel to create electrical power. The electricity leaving a solar panel is Direct Current (DC). Modern homes and buildings use Alternating Current (AC) to run our appliances so electricity from solar panels must be converted before entering your home's electrical systems. Solar Inverters convert the DC electricity from the solar modules to AC electricity for use in our homes and buildings. Inverters can either be located underneath your solar panels on the roof (called MicroInverters) or hung on a wall inside or outside your home.
All of the electricity converted by your inverter will enter your home through the interconnection point with your home's existing electrical infrastructure.
This electricity will first and foremost go to meeting any electrical demand your home has in the moment that the electricity is generated. If your home needs more electricity than your solar panels are producing, then your home will draw power from both the solar energy system and your existing utility system. If your home is producing more solar power then your home needs than the excess solar power can either be saved in a battery energy storage system or can be exported back to the utility grid. Your electric meter will keep track of the power you have consumed and the power you have exported. This is called bi-directional metering.
Some utilities offer a program called Net-Metering which credits exported solar energy at a rate equal to the amount they charge when you purchase electricity. This credit has the effect of offsetting future energy consumption from the grid - like at night when the sun isn’t shining. Every utility is different and it's important to work with a solar installer who knows your utility's energy policy. Be sure to ask your solar consultant questions about your utility’s policy.
