12/25/25 - Island Voices - Column: Simplify process to bring balcony solar power to Hawaii

By Chelsey Miguel and Noel Morin

Most people in Hawaii want to reduce their electricity costs and participate in the transition to clean, renewable energy. But for many who live in condos or apartments, going solar has not been an option. That could soon change — if lawmakers act.

A new technology called plug-in or balcony solar could finally open the door for those who live in condos and apartments to generate their own renewable energy, albeit on a modest scale. Already popular in Europe, balcony solar allows people without rooftops to capture the sun’s energy using compact, solar panels that fit on lanai or lanai railings. Germany now has more than a million such systems in use, helping families cut electricity costs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. It’s time for Hawaii to do the same.

Balcony solar systems are small-scale photovoltaic units, usually consisting of one or two solar panels. A system can have enough output to run everyday household appliances such as a TV, computer, refrigerator and lighting. The balcony solar system is plugged into a wall outlet, and electricity flows directly into the home’s electrical system after passing through a small inverter that converts it from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Installation is simple — just plug in, and you’re generating clean, renewable energy.

The price tag for these systems is modest. A typical balcony solar setup costs about $2,000 and can pay for itself within a few years through lower electricity bills. Battery storage can be added at an additional cost, allowing households to use solar energy at night. Battery prices are declining, making them more attractive.

Unfortunately, Hawaii residents can’t yet take advantage of this innovation. Currently, one cannot plug in a balcony solar system without an interconnection agreement with the electric utility — an impractical and unnecessary barrier for these small systems.

Thankfully, state Rep. Mike Lee will be introducing a balcony solar bill in the 2026 legislative session with the support of Carbon Cashback Hawaii. The bill establishes a clear legal framework for plug-in solar systems that removes that requirement and establishes safety standards to encourage their safe and effective adoption, expanding access to clean energy and advancing Hawaii toward its clean energy goals.

Our state has some of the highest electricity costs in the nation. Hawaii also has some of the most ambitious clean energy goals. Those who live in condos or apartments have been largely left out of the clean energy transition. Balcony solar would change that by giving everyone — not just those who live in single-family homes — the ability to produce their own renewable power and contribute to the state’s 100% clean-energy future.

Balcony solar won’t solve all of our energy challenges, but it’s a simple and affordable way to help more people take advantage of our sun’s energy and participate in Hawaii’s clean-energy revolution. The technology exists. The benefits are clear.

If we want broad participation in Hawaii’s transition to affordable, clean, homegrown energy, balcony solar should be part of it.

Chelsey Miguel is a sophomore at King Kekaulike High School and a youth leader with Climate Future Forum; Noel Morin is a climate, sustainability and resilience advocate based in Hilo.