Homeowners or Renters

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 utility meter (not a person)
  • Program Charge payments conveniently made with your monthly electric utility bill
  • Long-term financing of up to 25 years (for a more cash-flow friendly option) at a below-market, stated fixed rate of 5.5% per annum
  • Homeowner or landlord will own the system. System owners may be eligible for tax benefits. Please contact your tax advisor for more information.
  • Click here for more information on the Residential GEM$ On-Bill Payment Program 

How does GEM$ work?

By tying the GEM$ on-bill obligation to the electric utility meter, HGIA is able to offer its inclusive financing program to all low- and moderate-income homeowners and renters, as the obligation transfers from ratepayer to ratepayer. 

  1. The Ratepayer (homeowner or renter; the “Applicant”), will submit a GEM$ application to HGIA (Please note, however, if the ratepayer is a renter, the property owner(s) will also need to complete an application and program documents): https://hawaiigems2020.my.site.com/s/ 

  2. HGIA will determine the Applicant’s eligibility (Step 1)

  3. HGIA will determine the Project’s eligibility (Step 2)

  4. Upon approval and execution of program documents, and a valid Certificate of Insurance naming HGIA as Lender Loss Payee is submitted, a notice to proceed is given to your HGIA approved contractor to install the Energy Improvement

  5. HGIA pays the Approved Contractor for the completed installation

  6. Your program charge will conveniently appear on your monthly HECO, MECO, or HELCO bill as part of a single payment to your utility

 

List of Approved Energy Improvements (EI):

  • Solar PV System

  • Solar Thermal Water Heater

  • Solar PV Water Heater

  • Heat Pump Water Heater

  • Energy Storage Systems

Qualifying for GEM$ is a simple 2-step process:

Step 1 – Applicant Eligibility

Step 2 – Project Eligibility

  • Energy Improvement (EI) must be on the Approved EI List
  • Contractor must be a GEMS Approved Contractor
  • Post-installation, the EI must meet the minimum utility bill savings standards detailed in the table below:
Disconnection Notices Tiered Estimated Bill Savings Requirement
0 ≥ 5% Savings
1 – 4 ≥ 10% Savings
5+ ≥ 15% Savings

For an estimated bill savings, or to calculate additional load to assess bill savings for households interested in buying an electric vehicle, visit our Contractor page by clicking here.

Note:

HGIA requires HO3 Insurance from individual households and HO6 Insurance from condominium owners.  

Energy Efficiency Contractor must also be a Hawaii Energy Clean Energy Ally

Renter will need landlord/property owner approval.

Landlords/Property Owners

The GEM$ On-Bill Program was designed to provide split incentives and innovative repayment mechanisms to increase landlord/property owner participation.

HGIA will work directly with property owners on program requirements.  Please contact [email protected] for more information. The landlord application packet is available here .

HOW DO I APPLY FOR GEM$?

You can apply online or submit a paper application.  Please have the following available for your application:

  1. Copy of a valid, government issued I.D.;

  2. Most recent electric utility bill;

  3. Copy of DHHL Lease, if you are a DHHL Lessee;

  4. Copy of Long Form Trust, if your property is held in Trust.

CLICK HERE TO APPLY ONLINE!*

*Please open in Chrome if you have trouble accessing the portal.

To download an application, click on the applicable link below:

Complete, sign and return, along with a copy of your most recent utility bill, a valid government issued ID card, copy of DHHL lease (if applicable) and copy of Long-Form Trust Agreement(s)* (if applicable) to: Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority, P. O. Box 2359, Honolulu, HI 96804.

*If your property is held in trust, in addition to your Long-Form Trust Agreement(s), please enclose a check for the review fee payable to the Hawaii Green Infrastructure Authority for $230.37, per trust (rate effective as of 2/1/2024).

Frequently Asked Questions 

Helpful links:

Click here for tips from the US Department of Energy on selecting a solar contractor

Click here for information on how to right size your rooftop solar system

Calculate your Loan Payments

  • Input the Total Amount ($) for the cost of your installation

  • Leave Interest Rate (%) at “5.5%”

  • Leave Amortization Period (years) as “19”

  • Hit Calculate to see the amortization tables and loan payments for your installation!

calculator