Hawaii Energy pays a rebate on commercial window film. Most building owners in Honolulu do not know it exists, and most quotes never mention it. Here is the whole thing, without the runaround.
What it pays
| New installation of window film | $0.85 per sq ft |
|---|---|
| Replacing existing, deteriorated film | $0.43 per sq ft |
| Cool roof on a mechanically cooled building | $0.10 per sq ft |
On a 2,000 square foot job that is $1,700. On 5,000 square feet, $4,250. On 10,000 square feet, $8,500. It is paid on the actual glass area in air-conditioned space.
Which windows qualify
- The space behind the glass must be air-conditioned.
- East-, west- or south-facing only. North-facing glass does not qualify, and neither do windows heavily shaded by buildings, trees or awnings.
- Glass may be clear or factory tinted, single or double pane — but not reflective glass.
- Replacement film pays half rate, and only if no rebate was ever claimed on the film being removed.
- Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai and Lanai. Kauai is not eligible — it is served by a separate utility co-operative.
The part that costs people the money
The film has to bring the window's Solar Heat Gain Coefficient below 0.43 on a retrofit. New construction is stricter again, tightening to 0.225 depending on the projection factor of the shading above the window.
In practice that threshold sits around a 35% light transmission film. Pick something lighter because it looks better in the lobby and the entire rebate disappears — $4,250 on a 5,000 square foot job, gone on one specification decision that nobody flagged. We check the coefficient for your actual glass before quoting, and we say so in writing.
The film also needs at least a five-year manufacturer's warranty and a one-year installer's warranty. We confirm both in writing on the quote, so you can check the film qualifies before you apply.
What we do for you
The application needs a completed form, an IRS Form W-9, equipment specifications and proof of purchase, submitted to a Hawaii Energy Energy Advisor. We put the package together as part of the job. You sign it.
Rates are Hawaii Energy's published commercial incentives for the programme year running to 30 June 2027. Funding is first-come and the programme can close early. Rebates are paid by Hawaii Energy, not by us, and eligibility is theirs to confirm.
Common questions
Is there a rebate for commercial window film in Hawaii?
Yes. Hawaii Energy pays $0.85 per square foot for new commercial window film and $0.43 per square foot to replace existing film, on east-, west- and south-facing windows of air-conditioned space. On a 5,000 square foot job that is $4,250 back. The programme runs to 30 June 2027 or until the funding is used, and it covers Oahu, Hawaii Island, Maui, Molokai and Lanai — Kauai is served by a different utility and is not eligible.
Which windows qualify for the Hawaii Energy window film rebate?
The space has to be air-conditioned and the windows must face east, west or south — north-facing glass and windows heavily shaded by buildings, trees or awnings are excluded. The glass may be clear or factory tinted, single or double pane, but reflective glass does not qualify. The film must bring the window's Solar Heat Gain Coefficient below 0.43 on a retrofit, carry at least a five-year manufacturer's warranty, and come with a one-year installer's warranty.
Can the wrong film cost me the rebate?
Yes, and this is the part that catches people out. The rebate depends on the Solar Heat Gain Coefficient falling below 0.43, which in practice rules out the lighter films. Choosing a lighter product for appearance can forfeit the entire rebate — on a 5,000 square foot job that is $4,250 lost on a single specification decision. We check the figure for your glass before quoting and we prepare the paperwork for you.