Gridrules

All 53 utilities / Hawaiian Electric (HELCO)

Hawaiian Electric (HELCO) solar interconnection: what it requires before you energize

HI (Hawaii Island) · checked 2026-07-08 · request an update

How does Hawaiian Electric (HELCO) detect unpermitted backfeed?

Advanced meter is mandatory for all new programs, two-way reporting by design documented

What happens if they catch you?

Being verified being verified

Small and DIY interconnection requirements

Net metering died here in 2015 and every successor (CGS, Smart Export, Self-Supply, SIA) closed to new customers in March 2024. New grid-tied systems apply through Smart DER via the Customer Interconnection Tool, choosing an export or non-export track, with auto-enrollment in the TOU rate. documented

Export pays time-varying rates (low midday, higher evening peak), locked 7 years for new customers, and leftover credits expire at annual true-up. Batteries via BYOD Plus keep credits without expiry. documented

Strictest equipment rules in the country: UL 1741 SB certified to Hawaiian Electric's own SRD V2.0, Qualified Equipment List only, per-island Rule 14H. documented

Before continuous operation there's an inspection with two weeks lead time, including a witnessed no-backfeed test, a qualified person meters the open disconnect with a voltmeter. documented

sources: Hawaiian Electric smart renewable energy programs · Smart renewable energy export

Related: Tennessee Valley Authority (TN + 6 states (153 LPCs))

Planning a zero-export or plug-in setup here? See the zero-export reality check and equipment notes.

Every claim above is evidence-graded: documented means it traces to the tariff or the utility's own filings, reported means a dated community report. The full table covers 53 utilities: see all of Gridrules.