What is GEM$?

The Green Energy Money $aver (GEM$) On‑Bill Program is an innovative financing program for homeowners and renters offered exclusively by the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority that features:

✅ Immediate estimated bill savings

✅ Elimination of credit barriers

✅ Obligation tied to the electric utility meter (not a person)

✅ Program Charge payments conveniently made on your monthly electric utility bill

✅ Long‑term financing of up to 25 years (for a more cash-flow friendly option) at a below‑market, fixed rate of 5.5% per annum

✅ Homeowner or landlord will own the system. System owners may be eligible for tax benefits (consult your tax advisor).

How does GEM$ work?

By tying the GEM$ on‑bill obligation to the electric utility meter, HGIA offers inclusive financing to homeowners and renters, as the obligation transfers from ratepayer to ratepayer.

1. The electric utility ratepayer (e.g., homeowner or renter) is the Applicant.
   If the ratepayer is a renter, the property owner(s) must also complete an application and execute program documents.
2. During the loan underwriting process, HGIA will communicate with the applicant via the Banyan Infrastructure portal. All updates and communications will be done through comments on the Banyan Portal application. You’ll also receive email updates on your application from the Banyan System.It takes approximately 2 weeks for HGIA to receive necessary documents from the utility. Additional ratepayers on the account may be required to submit an Additional Application before approval as Step 1 Eligible. More Info on Review Process
   
3. Upon receipt of solar system and storage information from your selected Contractor, HGIA will underwrite the proposed system to determine if the Project’ meets the required minimum estimated bill savings threshold to be Step 2 approved.
4. Upon loan approval, execution of program documents, and receipt of a valid Certificate of Insurance naming HGIA as Lender Loss Payee, HGIA will issue a notice to proceed to your Contractor to install the Energy Improvement.
5. HGIA pays your Contractor once the system is installed and interconnected with the electric utility.
6. Your program charge will conveniently appear on your monthly HECO, MECO, or HELCO bill as part of a single payment to your utility. Complete GEM$ Step-by-Step Process

How do I apply for GEM$?

• You will need to create an account on Banyan Infrastructure to submit an application. For instructions on applying, please watch our Video Tutorial Playlist.
• Please have the following documents ready to apply:
  • Copy of a valid, government‑issued I.D.
  • Most recent electric utility bill
  • Copy of DHHL Lease (if you are a DHHL Lessee)
• Submit your application via HGIA’s online portal:
  • GEM$ Main Application: For homeowners and renters that are the primary ratepayer on the electric utility bill (name is listed in the upper lefthand corner of the utility bill).
  • Landlord Application: Owner of the property at the installation address that is leased or rented to another individual.

Tutorial Videos:

1. Create Your Account & Select the Correct Application
2. Completing an Application
3. How to Download Your Green Button Data
4. Completing an Additional Application (only for additional utility accountholders and additional property owners)
5. Resubmission Requests: How to Make Revisions