Everything you need to know about the Battery Bonus Incentive

Hawaii has long been committed to transitioning towards a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. On December 20, 2023, the Hawaii Public Utilities Commission took a significant step in this direction by extending the enrollment period for the Battery Bonus program. This initiative is designed to encourage the adoption of energy storage in conjunction with rooftop solar systems and is poised to play a pivotal role in Hawaii’s goal of achieving 100% clean energy by 2045.

Battery Bonus Overview:

The Battery Bonus program, with a duration of 10 years, offers cash incentives to customers who add new energy storage to their rooftop solar systems. Its primary objectives are to promote the use of renewable resources and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Enrollment Capacity:

  • Oahu: The program’s enrollment for Oahu is capped at a total of 40 megawatts (MW) supplied from storage.
  • Maui: On Maui, the enrollment capacity is capped at 15 MW.

Incentives:

Participants in the Battery Bonus program can look forward to a range of incentives:

  1. A one-time cash incentive of $850 for every kW committed.
  2. Monthly $5 per kW capacity credit for the entire 10-year duration of the program. This credit is provided as a bill credit.
  3. Customers not participating in the Net Energy Metering Program will receive a monthly export bill credit for energy exported to the grid, equivalent to the retail rate for electricity exported during a specific two-hour period. The credit rate is updated quarterly.

How It Works:

To be eligible for the program, participants must use and/or export electricity from their new battery at a committed kW amount for two consecutive hours daily between 6–8:30 p.m., including weekends and holidays, throughout the 10-year program duration. The amount of committed capacity determines the incentive amounts, making it a flexible program tailored to participants’ energy needs.

Application Requirements:

To apply for the Battery Bonus program, customers must follow these steps:

  1. Contact a solar contractor to add energy storage to an existing solar system or install a new solar-plus-storage system.
  2. Secure a building permit with the appropriate county building department or provide proof of permit application.
  3. Enroll in an approved Hawaiian Electric renewable energy rate program.
  4. Use a new battery (replacement batteries are not eligible).
  5. Submit a Battery Bonus amendment in the Customer Interconnection Tool (CIT).
  6. Provide seven days of operational data as required.

Conclusion:

The Battery Bonus program in Hawaii is a remarkable opportunity for homeowners to embrace clean energy solutions, reduce their carbon footprint, and benefit from attractive incentives. It aligns with Hawaii’s commitment to sustainable energy practices and marks a significant step toward a greener future.

For complete details and program eligibility, please review the Battery Bonus Program Agreement provided by Hawaiian Electric.

As Hawaii continues its journey towards 100% clean energy by 2045, initiatives like the Battery Bonus program are crucial in paving the way for a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly future.

Contact Us today to learn more!

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