Malama Solar
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Author: Kaitlyn Short
Malama Solar is a full service solar photovoltaic installation company that specializes in battery storage and whole house backup systems that are both grid-tied and off-grid. The company offers premium equipment, best-in-class warranties, multiple financing options, and a simple process.
In 2021, Malama Solar was rated the #1 fastest growing company and the #5 best place to work among mid-sized companies by Pacific Business News, a Hawaii-based business journal. These are no small feats, considering Malama Solar has only been in business since 2017.
Top Ranked Companies
The Good
- Solar Battery Options
- Multiple Financing Options
- Locally Owned and Operated
Solar Battery Options
Malama Solar offers two choices for solar energy storage: the Generac PWRCell, and the Tesla Powerwall. Both options offer high-efficiency storage, excellent warranties, and are built by some of the most trusted names in the solar industry.
Adding a solar battery to your existed PV system presents a significant upgrade to any solar panel system, and makes off-grid solar a possibility for homes in rural areas. Homeowners can store surplus solar power through their battery that can keep the lights on in the event of a power outage, grid emergency, or even at night.
Multiple Financing Options
The solar company offers Hawaii residents a wide range of financing options to fund their solar installation. These include an array of low-interest solar loan and solar lease options that are designed to mitigate the cost of the monthly electric bill. These are in addition to Malama Solar's cash option, which offers the best return on investment, and qualifies homeowners for tax credits and incentives.
Locally Owned and Operated
Malama Solar is locally owned and operated by Hawaii residents Chris and Rachel Ah Sue, who founded the solar company in 2017 out of their Oahu home. The couple started the company with the aim of not just educating homeowners on the savings potential of solar energy, but also the environmental benefits.
Because it's family owned and operated, Malama Solar conducts every stage of the solar installation process completely in-house, meaning everything from the initial consultation, to the design (created by Malama's solar experts), to installation, inspection and approval, and walkthrough, are all led by Malama's in-house team. The company will even sure the necessary paperwork and permitting to ensure everything is built up to code.
The Bad
- Full Product List not Mentioned
- Only Available in Hawaii
- No NABCEP Certification
Full Product List not Mentioned
While Malama Solar makes sure to mention its solar battery options, it does not take similar pains with its solar panel and solar inverter options. The make and capacity of these key solar components not only inform the overall efficiency of the solar system, but they can also influence the cost and associated warranty coverage. Providing this information upfront can help customers make a more informed decision about their solar project.
Only Available in Hawaii
Malama Solar is only available in Hawaii. If you are local to Hawaii, we encourage you to read verified Malama Solar reviews to see how it compares to other solar providers in your state.
No NABCEP Certification
Malama Solar does not appear to hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). The NABCEP is one of the most respected certification figures in the solar industry, offering programs at every stage from best sales, to design, to installation practices.
The lack of certification, however, should not disqualify Malama Solar from consideration. By all accounts, the company is a competent solar contractor with several years of combined industry experience among its executive team and employees.
The Bottom Line
As yet, Malama Solar has few verified reviews to help corroborate its claims of excellent service; however, its accolades from trusted publications like Pacific Business News and its dedication to serving Hawaii's local population make the company a compelling candidate for any solar install. More information on its product list would help serve and educate potential customers interested in switching to solar.
