Federal credit ended
The 30% federal residential clean energy credit (Section 25D) isn't allowed for expenditures made after December 31, 2025. The IRS treats an expenditure as made when installation is complete.
Source: IRSImportant Hawaiʻi Solar Tax Credit Update
Storm Preparedness
Locally owned solar, battery, and energy services since 1993
Power Your Hawaii Home with Solar, Battery Backup, and Energy Independence
Since 1993, Alternate Energy Hawaii has helped local families and businesses lower electric bills, add battery storage, and build reliable energy systems designed for island life.
(808) 842-5853 Pearl City, Oahu based • Hawaii license C-26041
- Locally owned since 1993
- 59+ MW installed
- Licensed Hawaii contractor C-26041
- Tesla Premier Installer
- Pearl City, Oahu based
Locally Owned Since 1993
Powering Hawaii’s Future with Residential Solar and Sustainable Energy
For over 30 years, Alternate Energy has helped Hawaii families and businesses embrace sustainable energy solutions with solar, HVAC, roofing, EV charging, and more—all installed by our in-house team. From photovoltaic panels delivering clean electricity to advanced rooftop energy systems designed for residential solar projects, discover why we’re consistently voted Oahu’s best in solar, air conditioning, and plumbing.
Alternate Energy
Built for Every Home & Business
Residential and Commercial Solar Solutions That Fit Your Needs
We offer premium service combined with premium products designed to maximize solar efficiency and deliver reliable clean electricity. Whether you’re exploring residential solar or large-scale commercial solar projects, our tailored approach ensures you get the most value from your investment. With flexible solar financing options, achieving long-term savings and sustainability has never been easier.
Photovoltaic
Federal and Hawaiʻi solar incentives may help reduce the cost of photovoltaic systems, but incentive programs and eligibility requirements can change over time. Alternate Energy Hawaii recommends consulting a qualified tax professional regarding your specific situation.
Energy Efficient Air Conditioning Hawaii | Save Power
Mitsubishi Split Ductless AC systems are up to 40% more efficient than traditional HVAC systems.
Solar Water Heating
In Hawaii, up to 40% of the average family’s electric bill goes toward heating water.
Electrical Services
Let our in-house team of licensed electrical journeymen handle your next repair or renovation.
Roofing
We are a certified 5-Star CertainTeed installer!
Electric Vehicle Charging
Let AEI's experienced electrical journeymen install your EV charging station.
Free Quote
Find out how much you can save with solar — no pressure, no commitment. Get free quote
Trusted by Local Families
At Alternate Energy, customer satisfaction is at the heart of everything we do. Read real stories from homeowners who trusted us for their solar, PV, and AC needs — and see the difference quality service, expert installation, and great value can make.
See all stories Community & Innovation
See What’s Powering the Change
Trusted & Certified
Our Accreditations and Industry Partnerships
Who is Alternate Energy Hawaii?
Alternate Energy, Inc., doing business as Alternate Energy Hawaii (AEI), is a family-owned Oʻahu energy contractor founded in 1993 by the Ekimura family and led by founder and president Bruce Ekimura. Its office is at 96-1276 Waihona Street, Suite 114, Pearl City, HI 96782, and it holds Hawaii contractor license C-26041. AEI's own employees design and install residential and commercial solar, battery storage including Tesla Powerwall, solar water heating, roofing, Mitsubishi ductless air conditioning, electrical work and EV chargers. Tesla promoted AEI to Premier Installer in December 2023, and Panasonic named it 2023 Residential Installer of the Year.
Read why Oʻahu homeowners choose AEI or meet founder Bruce Ekimura and the team.
How do you choose among solar companies in Hawaii?
There's no single best solar company in Hawaii, because the right installer depends on your roof, your Hawaiian Electric rate and program, and your budget. Start with three checks: a Hawaii contractor license, a BBB profile you can read, and years of local installs you can ask about. Alternate Energy Hawaii has all three, so compare us with at least two others. Our guide to how to compare solar companies in Hawaii lists the questions to ask.
2026 incentive update
Read the 2026 incentive guideWhat changed for Hawaii solar incentives in 2026?
State credit capped
Act 24 (SB 3125), signed May 21, 2026, puts a $40 million annual cap on Hawaii's Renewable Energy Technologies Income Tax Credit and ends the credit after the 2029 tax year.
Source: Act 242026 systems
Executive Order 26-02 (signed June 8, 2026) and TIR 2026-02 explain the cap exemption. Systems placed in service before May 21, 2026 are exempt; others may qualify through certification.
Source: TIR 2026-02Battery incentive
Hawaiian Electric's BYOD Plus pays $400 per kW of committed battery capacity upfront for new batteries paired with solar, plus $400 per kW for qualifying low- to moderate-income customers.
Source: Hawaiian ElectricEvery household's tax situation is different, so check your eligibility with a tax professional.
Proof you can verify
What can you check before you hire us?
- 1993
Founded on Oʻahu
Started by the Ekimura family in 1993.
- C-26041
Hawaii contractor license
Look it up in the state's licensing search.
- 100%
In-house crews
Every installer is an AEI employee, not a subcontractor.
- Premier
Tesla Premier Installer
Promoted by Tesla in December 2023.
- 2023
Residential Installer of the Year
Awarded by Panasonic in December 2023.
- A+
BBB accredited
Accredited since October 2010; BBB lists the business as started in 1993.
Customer stories
See all customer storiesWhat do Oʻahu customers say?
We wanted to get our electricity from the sun, not the electric company. Jeff Lee was professional, straightforward, and still answered our questions months after the install. Our electric bill has gone way down, and we've been recommending AEI to all our friends.
The Lee FamilyFull reviewAs a former contractor, I appreciated that AEI focused on product quality, not just financing. Jeff Lum was informative and professional, and the installation went perfectly. With my condition, we rely on AC every day, so saving on our bill has made a real difference.
The Antonio FamilyFull reviewEven with the AC running all day and night, our electric bill went down. Roy was incredibly responsive. It didn't feel like talking to a sales rep, it felt like talking to family.
The Matsumoto FamilyFull reviewWe had a great experience with AEI. Dave Thompson helped us understand our options, the tax credits, and the whole installation process. We went with AEI because everything, panels and all, was Mitsubishi. We've already referred four friends.
The Benros FamilyFull reviewAEI made everything simple and easy to understand. Our monthly bill dropped, and I was so impressed I recommended them to my parents. We're already planning to add more panels.
The Adams FamilyFull reviewOur electric bill dropped, even after adding two AC units. Thanks to AEI and Roy's help, we finally had the freedom to enjoy things like paddle boarding as a family.
The Vaeena FamilyFull reviewPlan your project with a local team
Every recommendation starts with your roof, your Hawaiian Electric account and what you want the system to do.
Trusted & certified
Our accreditations and industry partnerships
Hawaii contractor license C-26041, BBB accredited with an A+ rating, and certified by the manufacturers whose equipment we install.
Read our BBB profile →Free estimate
Get a free solar estimate on Oʻahu
Tell us about your home or business, your electric bill and whether you want battery backup. We'll recommend a system for your roof and give you a written estimate.
One local team since 1993
Get a free estimateWhat can AEI install at your home or business?
One local team covers the roof, the panels, the battery and the wiring, so each part is planned around the others. Pick a service to see how it works on Oʻahu.
Something broken on an existing system? Go to solar repair.
Home solar panels
For owner-occupied homes: system sizing, panel and inverter choice, permits and Hawaiian Electric interconnection, all handled by one team.
Learn more →Battery storage and backup
Keep the fridge, lights and Wi-Fi on in an outage, or store daytime solar for the evening. Works with new or existing solar.
Learn more →Tesla Powerwall
Powerwall design and installation from a Tesla Premier Installer, including whole-home or essential-loads backup.
Learn more →Solar water heating
Heat water with the sun instead of an electric tank. We install new systems and replace aging ones.
Learn more →Roofing
Replace an aging roof before panels go on, so you aren't removing and reinstalling solar a few years later.
Learn more →Mitsubishi ductless AC
Efficient split AC sized for Hawaiʻi heat, planned alongside your solar so the system can carry the extra load.
Learn more →EV charging
Home EV charger installation with the circuit and panel work done by our own licensed electricians.
Learn more →Electrical services
Panel upgrades, repairs and the wiring that solar, batteries, AC and EV chargers depend on.
Learn more →Commercial solar
Solar and storage for offices, warehouses, retail and other business roofs on Oʻahu.
Learn more →Maintenance and repair
Monitoring checks, cleaning and service to keep an existing system producing.
Learn more →Built for Hawaii Since 1993
Why Choose Alternate Energy Hawaii?
AEI brings solar, battery storage, roofing, electrical, AC, and EV charging together under one local team, so your energy project can be planned around Hawaii utility rates, HECO requirements, roof readiness, and long-term island support.
One in-house energy team
Solar, batteries, roofing, electrical, AC, and EV charging work together. AEI helps homeowners and businesses avoid disconnected decisions by planning the whole energy system.
Designed for island outages
Battery backup and energy independence planning help Hawaii families decide what should stay powered when the grid is down, from refrigeration and lighting to critical home circuits.
Local support after installation
After installation, local support matters. AEI helps customers understand monitoring, maintenance, battery settings, and next steps if equipment needs attention.
Financing and incentive guidance
Solar incentives, tax credits, HECO programs, and financing options can change. AEI helps customers compare practical paths before committing to a system design.
Buyer Confidence
Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Solar Company
How does AEI support customers after installation?
AEI provides local support for system questions, monitoring concerns, maintenance direction, and future upgrades. A solar project should not end when the panels turn on, especially in Hawaii where batteries, HECO programs, and utility rules can affect long-term performance.
What happens if solar monitoring stops reporting?
Monitoring interruptions can come from internet changes, equipment communication issues, or inverter/battery settings. AEI customers can contact support so the team can help identify whether the issue is connectivity, settings, or equipment that needs service.
How do I know if my roof is ready for solar?
A solar-ready roof should have enough remaining life, clear usable space, and a structure suited for the proposed system. AEI can evaluate roof readiness and connect solar planning with roofing and electrical considerations before installation.
Should I add battery storage now or later?
Battery timing depends on outage concerns, budget, HECO program availability, and how much backup power you want. Some homes benefit from designing solar and battery together, while others may plan battery readiness for a future phase.
What makes a local Hawaii installer different?
A local installer understands island weather, utility requirements, roof conditions, permitting timelines, and local support expectations. Those details matter when comparing a Hawaii-based energy team with a national sales-first provider.
How do permits and HECO interconnection work?
Solar projects typically require design review, permitting, utility coordination, and inspection before final operation. Timelines can vary by project and program, so customers should ask each installer how they manage permitting and HECO interconnection steps.