Solar Panels Cost $2.6k-$13k in Cumberland County, ME | February, 2025
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How much do solar panels cost in Cumberland County, ME in 2025?
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For the month of February, 2025, the price per watt of a solar panel installation in Cumberland County, ME is $3.84/W.
Based on the cost per watt, we are able to conclude that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) of solar power capacounty will require an investment of $3,840 for installation. A 5 kW solar system in Cumberland County is typically about $13,440 after accounting for the 30% federal income tax credit. It's important to note that a higher capacity system could be required to adequately cover your energy consumption.
On the left-hand side, you can choose your county to find out the typical roof size and the maximum capacity for solar panels in residences in your area. Outlined below are the costs, payback period, and 20-year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Cumberland County: $13,440US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Cumberland County: 8 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Cumberland County: $16,481US Average: $16,301
Solar Potential in Cumberland County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Cumberland County.
Roof size 465sq. ft.
Capacity 6.5kW DC
Electricity 7.4kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Cumberland County, ME & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Energy consumers in Cumberland County typically pay 148.67 per month for electricity, with an average monthly usage of527 kWh. Compact living spaces, such as apartments and cottages, are also considered in the statistics cited in the prior sentence.
As of February 2025, the average rate for electricity per kWh in Cumberland County, ME amounts to 28.23¢.
Currently, a 5 kW setup will be priced at around $19,200upfront, but thanks to the federal tax credit, you receive 30% back, reducing the total to $13,440.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Cumberland County
Available below and to the left is the price structure for multiple sizes of solar panel systems installed in Cumberland County. The initial cost for larger solar systems is greater, but they also offer more significant electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
View a cost benefit analysis in the solar panel cost calculator to the right and below, for an average electric bill of $148.67 in Cumberland County. To get customized results, easily adjust the $148.67to reflect your average electricity bill amount.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 1kW
Roof Size Min. space required
72 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $379 a year
Est. Price
$2,688
Savings from a 1kWthis system
Est. yearly production 1,354 kWh
Est. monthly savings $32
Full payback in 2 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.65 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 30 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1,603 mi less a year
System Size 2kW
Roof Size Min. space required
143 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $758 a year
Est. Price
$5,376
Savings from a 2kWthis system
Est. yearly production 2,708 kWh
Est. monthly savings $63
Full payback in 3 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.3 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 59 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,206 mi less a year
System Size 3kW
Roof Size Min. space required
215 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,137 a year
Est. Price
$8,064
Savings from a 3kWthis system
Est. yearly production 4,062 kWh
Est. monthly savings $95
Full payback in 5 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.94 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 89 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,809 mi less a year
System Size 4kW
Roof Size Min. space required
286 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,517 a year
Est. Price
$10,752
Savings from a 4kWthis system
Est. yearly production 5,417 kWh
Est. monthly savings $126
Full payback in 6 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.59 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 119 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 6,412 mi less a year
System Size 5kW
Roof Size Min. space required
358 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,896 a year
Est. Price
$13,440
Savings from a 5kWthis system
Est. yearly production 6,771 kWh
Est. monthly savings $149
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 3.05 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 140 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 7,559 mi less a year
Cumberland County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2025
If you're a rural small business or farm owner, you might be eligible for REAP Grant coverage of between 80% and 100% for your solar or wind turbine project. Believe you fall into this category? Verify your qualification with our REAP Grant eligibility tool.
The 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar is offered to most homeowners, which makes solar energy a wise choice in numerous regions nationwide. There are also a range of state and local efforts aimed at increasing solar energy use.
Various utilities and government organizations in Maine have 6 solar rebate and incentive programs.
Solar incentives in MEIncentive Description Value
Solar and Wind Energy Property Tax Exemption
Value:Varies
Solar photovoltaic equipment and wind turbines in Maine are exempt from state property taxes. The only conditions are that the generated energy must be used on-site and that the panels/turbines are interconnected to the state's power grid under a net metering contract. Additional information is available from the Maine Department of Revenue.
Renewable Portfolio Standard
Value:Varies
Maine first adopted a mandatory renewable portfolio standard in 1997. Currently, the standard requires 80% of the state's energy to be generated from renewable sources by 2030, with conventional sources phased out completely by 2050. Eligible technologies to meet the standard include solar, wind, geothermal, biomass, CHP, waste burning, and hydroelectric. Compliance with the standard is measured using a renewable energy credit (REC) and thermal credit (TREC) system pegging electrical and heat capacity to dollar values. Utilities are responsible for procuring their credit quota from customers through net metering or other purchasing contracts.
Efficiency Maine Trust - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Resource Fund
Value:Varies
The Efficiency Maine Trust is a public benefits fund for energy efficiency projects in the state. Unique to many other states, it is supported by voluntary contributions of up to $10 on monthly energy bills. A large portion of the trust supports grant programs for renewable energy and energy efficiency for local governments, nonprofits, and school districts. The trust's administrators produce an annual report for the Maine legislature detailing budget items and spending initiatives. Additional information is available from the trust website.
Maine Green Power Program
Value:Varies
The Maine Green Power (MGP) program was established through a public-private partnership with 3 Degrees Group. MGP allows the state government to directly purchase renewable energy credits; however, these credits may not be used to meet the renewable portfolio standard. Currently, the program funds large-scale renewable energy generation facilities throughout the state, including a major hydroelectric project. Any Central Maine Power or Emera customer may directly purchase power from MGP in blocks. Additional information is available through the MGP website.
Local Option - Property Assessed Clean Energy
Value:Varies
City and county governments in Maine may offer their own property-assessed clean energy (PACE) financing programs for energy efficiency improvements and equipment. Depending on the specific program, residential and commercial property owners alike have access to an open market of available lenders offering competitive loans and terms. Effectively, funding comes from the government; repayment will therefore take the form of a tax lien senior to the property's mortgage. Maine has standardized PACE loan terms. Available principal ranges from $6,500 to $15,000 at 4.99% APR. Loans can be repaid over up to a 15-year period. While single-family homes may receive PACE funding, they also face more regulations and concerns from the FHFA. Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac cannot take ownership of a mortgage with an active PACE lien, and it is up to the locality to establish loss reserve funds or other safeguards. Interested property owners should consult with their local or county government, as not every jurisdiction offers PACE loans.
Green Power Purchasing
Value:Varies
Any Mainer can opt into the Maine Green Power program to source their energy from local renewable facilities. The program is supported by a surcharge on subscribers' energy bills and pegs consumption to RECs. Governments can purchase RECs through the public-sector arm of the program. Currently, the state government is purchasing RECs from a hydroelectric project to meet a majority of its renewable portfolio standard. Since 2007, 100% of Maine's energy is sourced renewably. Additional information is available through the Maine Green Power website.
Are solar panels worth it in Cumberland County, ME?
Homeowners in Cumberland County who expect to live in their residence beyond the payback period of their solar system will find solar panels an obvious choice. In Cumberland County, ME, the installation of a 5 kW solar system can save you an average of $22,240.8 over 20 years, with an average break even point of 8 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Cumberland County, ME
Forgoing the installation of solar panels or an alternative backup energy source results in missing the earlier mentioned savings and total reliance on your electric utility for power. Several recent examples in the news have revealed that total dependence on your utility company isn't always ideal.
Yearly, the utilities in Cumberland County have recorded about 1.12 outages per customer. Typically, outages have an average duration of 124.44 minutes. However, during significant events such as tornadoes, grid management errors, or wildlife damage, these times can drastically increase.
View the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Cumberland County.
Owning a solar panel system, with or without a backup battery, could reduce the strain of any future outages you may encounter.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Cumberland County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Cumberland County, ME?
Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt decreases with larger solar panel systems, even if the upfront cost is greater. Individuals often realize that installing a solar system to offset their electric bill is a beneficial decision, resulting in the most savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels are offered in a range of makes and models. The potential system preferences of your selected installer make it crucial to pick a highly rated company. For a better long-term experience, buyers should consider superior quality makes and models.
Solar Panel Type - The industry standard is now monocrystalline panels, and rightly so. They have a higher price but are better at generating energy. The majority of solar panel installers use panels made of this material.
Your Property - Each property and home presents unique challenges. Trees, irregular terrain, or other impediments may complicate the installation process. Today, the many solar installers can evaluate your home with satellite images and factor in these factors in the preliminary cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The varied employee wages paid by companies cause costs that consumers ultimately paying . Companies that invest in higher wages often see higher reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Permitting and utility interconnection fees vary locally and will impact your installation cost. Quality local installers will include these figures in your first estimates to ensure transparency.
See what solar panels cost in other Cumberland County cities
As of February, 2025, the average per-watt cost for solar panels in Cumberland County, ME is $3.84/W. In Cumberland County, ME, the cost of installing a 5 kW solar panel system is approximately $13,440 after applying the federal tax credit.
Maine offers 6 different rebates and incentives from a range of utilities and government organizations. In addition, nearly all people are eligible for the 30%federal tax credit.
Even though paying cash yields the most savings, there are now several financing options for solar panels that also are cost-effective. Initial quotes from installers will frequently detail information about available financing options.
Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Cumberland County, ME averages 8 years, with electricity savings of about $22,240.8 over 20 years.