Solar Repair & Temporary Removal on O’ahu
Protect your HECO savings. Expert solar troubleshooting, inverter repairs, and safe “Detach & Reset” services for roofing projects.
Knoles Electric
Keep Your Solar Investment Generating Cash
In Hawaii, a working solar system isn’t just “green energy”—it’s a financial necessity. Every day your system is down is another day you are paying full price to HECO.
At Knoles Electric, we specialize in the electrical side of solar. While many original installers have gone out of business or left the island, we are here to keep your system running. Whether you have a “Red Light” error on your inverter, a string of panels that stopped producing, or you simply need to take them down to fix a leaky roof, our union-trained electricians handle the high-voltage DC wiring safely and legally.
Our Solar Services
We serve homeowners and businesses with two main categories of service:
1. Solar Repair & Maintenance
Inverter Replacements:
We swap out failed string inverters (SolarEdge, SMA, Fronius) and microinverters (Enphase) that have succumbed to Hawaii’s heat and humidity.
System Troubleshooting:
Diagnosing why your production has dropped or why your monitoring app shows “Offline.”
Critter Guard Installation:
Installing protective mesh around your panels to stop pigeons and rodents from chewing wires and nesting on your roof.
Salt Air Corrosion Repair:
Replacing corroded grounding lugs and wiring clamps common in coastal areas like Ewa Beach and Kailua.
2. Temporary Removal (Detach & Reset)
For Roof Replacements:
If you are getting a new roof, the panels must come off. We coordinate with your roofer to safely remove (Detach) and store your system, then return to Reinstall (Reset) it once the roof is done.
System Testing:
We don’t just put them back; we test every string to ensure the system works exactly as it did before.
Quick Diagnostic Guide: Is Your Solar Broken?
Solar systems are quiet, so it’s hard to tell when they break. Check these signs.
| Symptom | What It Means | Urgency Level |
|---|---|---|
| HECO Bill Spikes | Your system isn't producing power. You are buying 100% from the grid. | 🔴 CRITICAL Call for diagnosis ASAP. |
| Red Light on Inverter | Hardware failure or "Ground Fault" detected. | 🔴 CRITICAL System is likely offline. |
| "Communication Error" | System might be working, but you can't see the data. | 🟡 MODERATE Needs internet/gateway fix. |
| Loose/Hanging Wires | Wind or rodents have dislodged cables. Fire risk. | 🔴 EMERGENCY Call immediately. |
| Leaves Under Panels | Fire hazard. You need Critter Guards installed. | 🟡 MODERATE Schedule maintenance. |
⚠️ Noticed your bill went up? Click here to check your system health.
Getting a New Roof?
Don’t let a roofer handle your electrical equipment. We safely “Detach & Reset” your panels to protect your warranty.
Call Us 24/7 (808) 600-8816
Email Us info@knoleselectric.com
The “Detach & Reset” Process
Removing solar panels requires more than a drill. It involves handling high-voltage DC electricity. Here is our safe process:
Pre-Removal Testing:
We document your system’s current production before we touch it, so we know exactly how it should perform when we put it back.
Safe Storage:
We label every panel and rack, stacking them safely in your garage or designated area to prevent scratches or glass breakage.
Coordination:
We communicate with your roofing contractor to ensure the new roof mounts (standoffs) are flashed and sealed correctly.
Re-Commissioning:
After re-installation, we turn the system on, verify voltage with HECO, and ensure your monitoring app is back online.
Why Choose Knoles Electric?
We Are "Orphaned System" Experts:
Did the company that installed your solar go out of business? You are not alone. We are happy to service “orphaned” systems that other companies won’t touch.
Critter Guard Pros:
Pigeons love nesting under Hawaii solar panels. Their droppings corrode roofs, and their pecking damages wires. We install specifically designed mesh guards to keep them out for good.
Protecting Your NEM Status:
We understand the rules of HECO’s Net Energy Metering. We ensure repairs are done in a way that protects your “grandfathered” status.
Why Hire an Electrician vs. a Roofer?
Your roofer is great at shingles, but they aren’t licensed for electricity.
| Feature | General Roofer | Knoles Electric (Pro) |
|---|---|---|
| Wiring Safety | May cut or damage wires, creating serious fire risks. | Licensed Electricians All wiring handled safely and to code. |
| Warranty | Handling by unlicensed workers often voids solar warranties. | Warranty Preserved Full compliance with manufacturer requirements. |
| The Mounts | Might reuse old or rusty lag bolts and flashing. | Mounting Inspection Replaces flashing and mounts if needed. |
| Testing | Cannot verify if the system is actually producing power. | Full Electrical Testing System performance verified before we leave. |
Elijah completed the installation with great care and quality. He also maintained clear communication throughout the two day project.
Overall, a smooth experience and we’re happy with the results. Mahalo Knoles Electric Team!
Elijah was the electrician who came out for the rescheduled appointment and he was truly amazing! Arrived exactly on time & was prepared with all of the necessary tools & parts! He was thorough, efficient and fun to chat with throughout the job! He also made sure to vacuum up afterwards despite renovation mess, but this just proves the attention to detail he provided! Can't recommend him, or this company enough!! Mahalo, Elijah!!
Parties. Cameron was very concerned for me and my family and our situation. He asked me to explain what happened. He told me not to panic and thought that he knew the problem and that he might be able to help me over the phone. He told me what to do step by step while he stood by on the phone. Miraculously I was able to get the power back on and complete our New Year’s family dinner. We owe a ton of gratitude to Cameron for being there for us in a time of crisis… a “God Send”! He definitely deserves more than Five Stars! Will recommend Cameron and Knowles Electric.
I sent him a pic of my damaged
electric box and he solved the problem without coming out.
I have found an electrician for the future. I highly recommend him.
Knoles Electric, Cameron, came in and rewired our entire house. He had to climb in the attic as well as crawl under our house to get the job done. Since our recent renovation was over 35years ago, he suggested updating our lighting. He installed a bunch of Halo 4” canless LED recessed lights in our living room, kitchen and bathroom. These lights provide great lighting while remaining almost hidden. We got rid of our ceiling fans and had him install simple 15” lights.
Overall…Cameron did a great job. I would definitely recommend him.
If you live in an older house, I would recommend someone to inspect your electrical system. It’s better to be safe than sorry…
Let me know. I know a guy..
Great communication and speedy service!!
I highly recommend Knole’s electrical and guarantee you won’t be disappointed.
Mahalo’s Cameron
He assesses electrical issues with precision and always provides the best recommendations prioritizing safety. His transparency in explaining what needs to be done instills confidence, and he ensures all necessary equipment is promptly acquired and used for immediate fixes.
Cameron initially helped fix electrical setups in my home that were not up to safety standards, demonstrating his commitment to ensuring a secure environment. His expertise and reliability have earned my trust, making him my go-to electrician for any residential needs.
Cameron provides services for commercial spaces, and I am equally impressed with his professionalism and efficiency in this realm. I highly recommend Cameron for anyone seeking a trusted, dependable and skilled electrician.
Highly recommend!! Thanks again!!
Frequently Asked Questions About SPAN
1. Will removing my panels for roof work lose my NEM (Net Metering) status?
Generally, no. As long as we re-install the same equipment in the same location without increasing the system size, HECO typically considers this maintenance. It does not usually trigger a loss of your grandfathered NEM status.
2. My original solar company went out of business. Can you fix my system?
Yes! This is very common in Hawaii. We can troubleshoot and repair systems installed by companies that no longer exist. We can often help process manufacturer warranties for parts like inverters as well.
3. How long does it take to remove and reinstall panels?
For an average home (20–30 panels), removal takes about 1 day. Re-installation typically takes 1–2 days, as we have to precisely align the racking and re-connect the wiring.
4. Do you repair Solar Hot Water systems?
No. We specialize in Photovoltaic (PV) Electric Solar panels. Solar hot water systems are plumbing-based, so we recommend contacting a licensed plumber for those repairs.
5. Why is my inverter showing a red light?
A red light usually indicates a system fault—either a failed internal component or a ground fault (wiring touching the roof). Your system is likely not producing power. Call us to diagnose it before you lose another month of savings.
6. Do I really need Critter Guards?
If you have birds in your neighborhood, yes. Pigeons nesting under solar panels creates a massive mess (droppings) and a fire hazard (dry nesting material + hot wires). Installing guards is much cheaper than repairing chewed wires later.
7. Can you upgrade my old panels to higher wattage ones?
We can, but be careful. Significantly increasing your system size might force you out of your legacy NEM agreement with HECO. We can review your specific situation to see if an upgrade makes financial sense.
8. Do you clean solar panels?
Our primary focus is electrical repair and installation. While we ensure panels are clean during re-installation, for routine annual cleaning, we recommend hiring a dedicated solar cleaning service.
9. What causes solar panels to stop working in Hawaii?
The #1 culprit is Inverter Failure (electronics wear out after 10-12 years). The #2 culprit is Salt Corrosion on wire connections. We can fix both.
10. Do you offer a warranty on your work?
Yes. We provide a workmanship guarantee on our removal and re-installation services, ensuring no leaks from our mounts and proper electrical connectivity.
Explore Our Other Services
Areas We Serve
Kalihi-Palama | Makiki-Tantalus | Ala Moana-Kakaako | McCully-Moiliili | Liliha/Alewa | Diamond Head-Kapahulu | Waikiki | Manoa | Kaimuki | Nuuanu-Punchbowl | Downtown-Chinatown | Kahala | Hawaii Kai | Honolulu | Pearl City | Waipahu | Kailua | Kāneʻohe | Mililani Town | ʻEwa Gentry | Kapolei | Mililani Mauka | Makakilo | Wahiawā | ʻEwa Beach | Halawa (Near Pearl Harbor/Aiea) | Royal Kunia | Waimalu (Near Aiea/Pearl City) | Waiʻanae | Nānākuli | Waipiʻo (Near Waipahu) | Māʻili | ʻAiea | Mākaha | Waimanalo | Lāʻie | Pūpūkea | Haleiwa | Waialua | Hauʻula | Kahuku | Ko Olina
Need Your Solar Back Online?
Don’t let HECO profit from your downtime. Contact Knoles Electric for expert solar repair.