How to Apply for a Commercial Rebate

Watch our 2-minute video for step-by-step instructions, or read through the steps below. Still have questions? See our FAQ below!

Commercial Rebates
Success Stories

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: When do I apply for a rebate?

Answer: Hawaii Energy can provide technical support and let you know about equipment eligibility criteria during the project design or scoping. Some projects must apply for pre-approval prior to work being done to qualify for a rebate. Project details such as estimated project cost, timeline, existing equipment specifications, and new equipment specifications are helpful in kicking off a conversation with an energy advisor at Hawaii Energy.

Question: Who should reach out to Hawaii Energy with an energy efficiency project?

Answer: Any representative of a building or project can reach out to help determine project eligibility for rebates. This may include:

  • Facility staff or representatives
  • Business Owners
  • Facility Managers
  • Property Manager
  • Project Manager
  • Engineers
  • Contractor
  • Architects

Question: Which rebate is right for me?

Answer: We offer a variety of rebates, including both prescriptive and custom. If you have an idea for a project but aren’t sure how to get started, look for a contractor in our Clean Energy Allies search tool to make your idea a reality. We are here to answer any and all rebate-related questions, be sure to check out our Solutions by Business Type for specific energy saving opportunities for your business.

Question: What’s the difference between a prescriptive and custom rebate?

Answer: A prescriptive rebate offers a pre-calculated rebate offered by Hawaii Energy. We will provide a set rebate according to the equipment in your project and scope of work. A custom rebate is dependent upon actual energy savings and calculated on a per-project basis. There are energy and cost-saving opportunities in both categories, we are flexible to your projects and proposals!

Question: Why do I need to complete a worksheet? Where can I find them?

Answer: The eligibility worksheets collect key information including the quantity, capacity, and efficiency of equipment being installed to check if they qualify for Hawaii Energy rebates. The worksheets will calculate your rebate amount based on equipment and energy savings – now we are getting to the good stuff! We have loads of worksheets. The first question is, what are you installing? See a list of our rebates here and select the equipment on our Rebates page to download the associated eligibility worksheet. If you don’t know where to start, call your Energy Advisor to walk you through it!

Question: Why do I need a current W-9?

Answer: Why do we need tax information? We are required to comply with and report this information to the IRS. You may receive an IRS Form 1099 from Hawaii Energy showing tax eligible rebate/incentive.

Question: What are Product Specification Sheets?

Answer: These are the technical documents that we reference to analyze energy savings and determine whether or not the product will qualify for a rebate. We love to see the ENERGY STAR label!

Question: Why do I need to provide an itemized invoice?

Answer: We are required to verify that the equipment purchased matches those documented in the product specification sheets. The invoice also gives us important information like project equipment and labor costs.

Question: What happens after I apply?

Answer: After you send all the documents described above to Hawaii Energy, an advisor will reach out to you to confirm the eligibility of your project or request additional information. Once the project is approved with all required documentation, it takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks for processing. Depending on if your project is prescriptive or custom, the timeline will vary with custom projects requiring more time and correspondence to gather required application information.