Bill > HB513

This bill expands Hawaii's existing renewable energy technologies tax credit to encourage the adoption of battery storage for solar energy systems. Currently, Hawaii has high electricity rates and a significant number of homes with rooftop solar, but relatively few with battery storage. The bill specifically allows owners of existing solar energy systems to claim a tax credit for retrofitting their systems with battery storage starting in 2026. The tax credit will be equal to 35% of the actual cost of the battery storage installation, with a maximum credit of $500,000 per solar energy system. This provision is designed to incentivize homeowners to add battery storage capabilities to their existing solar systems, which can help improve energy reliability and reduce dependence on the electrical grid. The bill recognizes that battery storage can provide more energy independence for consumers and support the state's renewable energy goals by allowing solar system owners to store and use their own generated electricity more effectively.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://www.capitol.hawaii.gov/session/measure_indiv.aspx?billtype=HB&billnumber=513&year=2026