Electrical reviews in Honolulu, Hawaii

Independent Energy was the original installer when I installed our 2nd PV system. They recently came back and cleaned the panels. From start to finish everything went well. Their team arrived on time, explained what they were going to do, and worked efficiently. They even replaced some parts at no cost!
After the service they sent before and after photos and verified everything was working properly.
If you are looking for a reliable solar panel installer or for maintenance Independent Energy is a perfect choice!

My family chose Independent Energy Hawaii Company after comparing four quotes, including system cost and warranties. Independent Energy stood out with the best overall value, offering a 30-year third-party solar warranty that covers parts, labor, panels, inverters, batteries, and roof penetrations at a very competitive price. They also partner with Hawaii State Federal Credit Union to offer 0% interest and zero monthly payments for the first 18 months, providing excellent financing flexibility and the option to pay off the loan at the 18-month mark.

My husband, who previously worked as an engineer for a solar company, had the opportunity to speak directly with CEO/Co-founder Desta. He found him professional, knowledgeable, and trustworthy, with a deep understanding of solar systems and related policies, clearly prioritizing the best solutions for customers.

We signed our contract in November last year and were initially told to expect installation in the April–May timeframe, but the system was installed much earlier, in mid-January, which was a pleasant surprise. The installation crew was professional, friendly, and efficient, and communication throughout the process was clear and timely. We are still waiting for PTO, but the system is already running for monitoring and performing well, exactly as expected.

We highly recommend Independent Energy Hawaii Company.

We’re thrilled that the installation went so smoothly. The Independent Energy Hawaii crew was outstanding—arriving on time, treating our property with respect, and working in a friendly, professional, and safety-conscious manner.

It was no small task: installing solar panels on our second-floor roof with long cable runs and a first-floor battery backup. Yet, they tackled it with skill and determination, keeping me informed throughout the day. We’re also grateful the weather cooperated, making their hard work a little easier.

I contracted with Independent Energy Hawaii to install solar panels and batteries 3 years ago. Recently, Independent Energy Hawaii reached out to me to do a check on the solar panels free of charge. They gave me a date/time for the technicians to come out to the house. Cody and Micah came on time and went up on the roof to check that the solar panels were in place and working right. They upgraded the system's end clamps. I was very impressed by their efficiency and how they kept me informed of what was happening. I feel secure in the knowledge that IEH cares about their work and are motivated to keep the panels in working order. I am very happy with their service.

We wholeheartedly recommend Independent Energy Hawaii for all your solar photovoltaic needs! We have been so pleased with their professionalism and quick response. Yesterday, we contacted Christine for service to our PV system before the rainy weather hits again! She and Desta immediately responded by sending technicians Cody and Neal out today. They expertly sealed the penetrations on the bottom row, upgraded the metal locking pieces, and replaced the zip ties so that no wires were contacting the shingles. Mahalo for your exceptional customer service and attention to detail. In our book, Independent Energy Hawaii is the best local family owned business in the islands for all your solar system installation and servicing needs! Wishing you a very happy, productive, blessed New Year!

We had Independent Energy Hawaii installed our solar panels. Independent Energy team made the whole process smooth and easy for us. Our system has been in a great shape and perform as we expect. On 2/9/26, Independent Energy came to do complimentary inspectation on our system and we had them do solar pannel wash. They were on time, professional and did an awesome job. They even took a picture and video of our pannels before and after the wash and everything looked great. We definitely recommend Independent Energy Hawaii for their professional and reliable services.

Dave and his crew from Independent Energy were very professional and detailed when installing our system. The pre planning process was simple and easy as the project management team made sure all deadlines were met and answered every question I had promptly. I would highly recommend Independent Energy if you are in the market to install a PV system to your home!

I am so pleased with my decision to purchase my solar system from Independent Energy. Last week, they provided a complimentary inspection of my system to ensure it was working properly and, at no cost, upgraded the racking system with improved fasteners. The relationship I've had has been exemplary in customer service, even after two years of our initial purchase of the solar unit. I highly recommend their company for their ongoing concern for your solar power system. Their workers are highly professional and friendly.

Aloha,
5 stars is truly what Independent Energy Hawaii deserves. While Haleakala Solar was the original installer of my solar system in 2018 who filed bankruptcy soon after, the Independent Energy Hawai’i team answered my call and worked with me from the get go. They diagnosed the issue, coordinated repairs, obtained the correct replacement modules, and completed the service to get my system back to optimal operation. I am so very grateful for them. They knew exactly what they were doing! What I thought would cost me thousands of dollars ended up being less than $1000 and two visits.
I want to thank Sean-Daniel and the Independent Energy Hawaii team, Joe, Ade, and another technician for being cordial, respectful, and professional while at my home. I recommend them to anyone needing help with their solar system! Mahalo for reading.

The consultation and administrative staff were excellent! The permits were submitted and approved in a timely manner. Especially their billing staff never dropping the ball.
There were a couple hiccups along the way. The installation crew were super friendly and they did their work quickly. The next day, the battery wasn't fully charging, which we found out later was caused by a missing wire connection that disabled half our panel layout. Almost a week went by and our battery was still at 20% and independent energy reached out to let us know they'd send another technician to troubleshoot the issue. It was frustrating trying to schedule when they could come and they had to cancel last minute after several calls with the scheduler who did not seem to be able to facilitate communication at all. Thankfully when they eventually arrived, their clean up tech was extremely informative and professional. He fixed the issue lickety-split and our solar system is running at full capacity now.

Final thoughts. These guys are all pros and with the influx of solar demand before the BBB begins in 2026, they're running full throttle to service the high demand so naturally, there will be mistakes. I appreciated the call from Desta and appreciative of independent energy's dedication to quality service and professionalism.

From the start to finish, Independent Solar, was nothing but a positive and excellent experience. The initial consultation with James Escobito, design team, Project Manager Michael Derouin and Install Crew, all professional and courteous to our family, during this process. We are very excited to use our new Tesla charging station. We also are excited to see our future savings with the newly installed Tesla 3 power walls and solar panels. 100% satisfied and we highly recommend Independent Solar and Staff! A+++
The Hayes Family
Mililani Hawai’i

Working with Photonworks was a great experience. All I knew about PV systems was that I wanted/needed one + battery back ups when we rebuilt our home.

I had spoken to other companies and was so dissatisfied with my experiences.

My first conversation with Mr. Paul Orem was unlike any I had experienced with the other pv companies - as I thought I was speaking to a marketing/sales person, I didn't quite know what to make of our first conversation as nothing felt like a sales or marketing pitch - just straight forward information.

I had no idea I was speaking to the CEO - he was patient (especially with such a PV ignorant potential client such as me), kind, forthcoming, and very comprehensive in his explanations.

I appreciated his always responding in a very timely manner to my phone calls and emails.

The entire process has been quite seamless and effortless.

Each member of Photonworks that I have encountered/worked with has been courteous, kind, responsive, professional and very customer service oriented - from Mr. Orem, CEO, to Keelan who was incredibly efficient, kind and helpful with the complicated process of communication/documentation with HECO (could not have nor wanted to do that on my own), to Steve Frieberger who was assigned to supervise our project (the best - another incredibly patient gent!) to each of the installers (initial install and upgrade as well) - no complaints, only praise and gratitude for each and all of them.

They are just not good at what they do, but their core values, their commitment to those values and follow through is incredible.

I just cannot say enough about Mr. Orem and Photonworks - I am so very grateful that I was referred to them, so very grateful.

It was and continues to be a wonderful and most uplifting and gratifying experience.

Excellent work on 2 of my projects.

If anyone is looking for a very professional company to help you with your PV system call Tom at PhotonWorks Engineering. You will not regret it. They will make sure your system is done exactly the way you want it and it will be done legally with the right permits and HECO.

Great company. Tom was awesome from start to finish. Excellent in his explanations and communicating. Installation went well, Manny and his team were professional and amiable.

PhotonWorks Engineering (PWE) installed an additional set of 18 Solar PV panels on my roof in March, 2023. No one informed me that the system was "commissioned and activated" on March 15. From March 15 to August 10, 2023, PWE technicians repeatedly came to check on the system. Each time, I was informed that the PV Inverter breaker was tripped, it was reset, and I was told that the system was now operating. But my electric bills did not reflect the expected decrease during that time period, so I contacted the salesman who sold the contract to me.

I learned on August 25 from him that "Once the system has been commissioned, our operations team does not proactively monitor the system on your behalf." This was unexpected since PWE technicians did make service visits, so they were able to see that the system was not performing yet failed to resolve the problem until August 10. The breaker wires were set incorrectly, which could have been easily corrected four months earlier.

No one told me that I, the homeowner, was responsible for downloading the Telsa and Solar Edge apps to monitor the system and report any problems to PWE. Instructions for both apps are online, and I am still struggling to understand them. No one offered to help me understand the app reports. Even if I was tutored to review the Telsa or Solar Edge apps, I would not have seen anything since they were both not functioning because of the continued tripping of the breaker.

The period from March 15 to August 10 has 148 days. After going through all the reports for those days, it was apparent that the system was down on the fifth day, March 19, and operational for only 11 days at minimal production. There were 137 days of lost production. I asked to meet in person with the owner of PWE and the salesman to resolve this matter. When they refused to meet with me, I requested $1300 in compensation to cover the electric bills.

PhotonWorks Engineering failed to take any responsibility for not being able to resolve the breaker issue in a timely fashion, denied the requested compensation for my electric bills, and refused to meet with me. PhotonWorks Engineering needs to better train their staff, provide appropriate compensation when they are at fault, and improve their customer service.

Thank you for doing a great job on installing my PV system. Everyone that came to my home was polite and eager to accommodate my requests. I was also very pleased that foot traffic on the roof caused some shingles to be damaged, but your guys replaced them without me asking.
Sam was particularly polite and exceeded my expectations in connecting the equipment on my garage with the solar system on the roof. He also did a superb job in connecting the system to my network. At the end of each day, there was no evidence that your techs were working around and on my home. There was a lot of packing material kept in my garage until the last day when your guys loaded it up and hauled it away.
I would also like to recognize Steve for putting the final adjustments on the system and orienting me on the system’s operation and how to use the apps. His technical competence and customer oriented skills are truly exceptional.
Again, thank you and please pass on my thanks to your techs for doing a great job.

I called and received several quotes for a PV system. I ended up choosing Photon Works for a few reasons. Tom, one of the sales reps and their quick to install schedule. Tom is wonderful at communicating and held my hand through the process. He has even followed up with me weeks afterwards making sure I knew how the system worked. Today, more than a month after installation, he called me because he noticed my settings weren't working to my advantage. He was so helpful and saved me money! Installers were all so good and hard working. They were very polite too. Highly recommend this company.

great service. communicates well. timely.

Highly recommend Grand Hawaii Electric. Johny was very responsive and resolved our issue quickly. He even took the time to make an additional trip to get the right lightbulbs that we needed. Price was fair.

Excellent electrician! Installed what we needed perfectly. Work was clean, detailed and very professional. They clearly know what they’re doing which is a huge relief to have found someone who is skilled and reliable. Would absolutely hire again & highly recommend.