Hawaiian Electric’s goal is to help get as much customer-sited generation, especially renewable energy, as possible while maintaining reliable service to all customers. Reliable service may be impacted if a circuit has too much Distributed Generation, that includes grid-tied PV, interconnected without proper protection equipment.
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Whether you simply reduce the amount of power you purchase from the utility or export excess power to the grid, the Public Utilities Commission requires Hawaii households and businesses that install a grid-connected PV system to submit to Hawaiian Electric a Net Energy Metering (NEM), Feed-In Tariff (FIT) or Standard Interconnection Agreement.
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You and your contractor will need to complete the interconnection application (agreement). Make sure the contractor submits the completed paperwork required to apply for Net Energy Metering, Standard Interconnection or Feed-In-Tariff, or to obtain the rebate for solar water heaters and provides you with a copy. Submitting paperwork in a timely manner is important to process your application in a timely manner. For NEM forms, visit: nem.heco.com. NEM application processes are subject to change and may differ for Hawaii Electric Light Company and Maui Electric. For information on NEM for MECO, visit www.mauielectric.com ; and for Hawaii Electric Light Company, visit www.helcohi.com.
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Make sure the contractor obtains all applicable permits from the City and County of Honolulu. Solar water heating and PV systems must be inspected and approved (closed permit application) by county building inspectors to ensure that all work complies with applicable building and electrical codes and that the system is safe for operation. On Oahu, you can review the status of your permit by accessing the Honolulu Department of Planning and Permitting website.
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Verify that a lockable utility disconnect is labeled and installed within close proximity of the meter or at the location approved by the utility.
Net Energy Metering (NEM):
PV systems with a capacity up to 100kW can enroll in Hawaiian Electric’s Net Energy Meter Program. After all interconnection requirements are met a Net Energy Meter will be installed in place of your current meter and your system can be energized. You will then be billed only for the net amount used and the minimum fixed fee to service the account. If you generate more electricity than you purchase from the utility in a monthly billing cycle, you will build up a monetary credit that will be used to offset future electricity purchases over a 12-month period. Depending on your power requirements, monthly demand charges may apply and should be considered in assessing your future billing. An executed NEM agreement is required to interconnect with the utility. For details, visit nem.heco.com or call the NEM hotline at 543-4760. NEM application processes for Hawaii Electric Light Company and Maui Electric may differ. For information on NEM for MECO, visit www.mauielectric.com ; and for Hawaii Electric Light Company, visit www.helcohi.com.
NEW! Our NEW Guide to Net Energy Metering brochure will help you better understand the NEM program and how to read your NEM bill. Click here to download a copy or to request a printed copy, call the NEM Hotline at 543-4760.
Feed-In-Tariff (FIT):
The Feed-In Tariff program offers pre-established rates and standardized contract terms to provide an easy way for individuals, small businesses, government entities, or others to sell renewable energy to their utility. For details, visit www.heco.com/fit.
Standard Interconnection Agreement (SIA):
The Standard Interconnection Agreement program is for renewable and non-renewable systems. This agreement allows you to reduce the amount of energy you require from the utility by energy produced from your system. Any surplus exported to the grid will not be “stored” or credited on your bill. For details, email us at siainfo@heco.com.
