Is there a limit to the amount of solar panels a house can have in Maine?

As a general rule, unless there are local limitations, the main limitations to the amount of solar panels you can put on your roof are the available space on your roof, your electricity usage, your providers net metering rules, and the limitations of your house hold electrical system.

How much to install solar panels in Maine?

Based on our research the average price per installed watt is $3.8 in Maine. This means for a 10kW system you can expect to pay $38,030 though pricing can vary significantly between installers based on the projects requirements.

How much do solar panels add to house value in Maine?

Based on a Zillow research study from 2019, home with solar panels sell for roughly 4.1% more.

What direction should solar panels face in Maine?

To generate the most power, solar panels in the United States should face true south as this generally results in the solar panels receiving the most light each day throughout the course of the year. That said, given that energy prices are often variable throughout the day, your installer may recommend you rotate your panels slightly so that the panels will receive more light at the end of the day when energy prices can be more expensive. That said, for most consumers the positioning of solar panels is highly dependent on your home's roof.

How many solar panel installers in Maine?

Based on our continuously updated database of solar installers, we have found 15 verified solar install companies in Maine

Solar Energy in Maine

Solar Rates, Incentives, Plans & Statistics

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Going solar in Maine

In Maine, an average home needs a 6kW solar system in order cover most of their electricity needs. Given the average residential price-per-watt of $3.8 in Maine, a 6kW system can cost around $22,818 depending on applicable rebates and other factors.

Select your county by clicking on the map and see the potential generated solar power and panel pricing. See how it compares with the US state average.

Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.

Maine: $19,015US Average: $18,170

Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.

Maine: 10 yearsUS Average: 11 years

Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.

Maine: $17,996US Average: $14,954

Solar Potential in Maine

Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in
Maine.

Roof size 465sq. ft.

Capacity 6.5kW DC

Electricity 7.4kkWh AC per yr.

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Compare solar panels by system size in Maine

Get the most value out of your roof by comparing the different benefits a given system size has.

System Size 2kW

Roof Size Min. space required

143 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $719 a year

Est. Price

$7,606

Savings from a 2kWthis system

Est. yearly production 2,600 kWh
Est. monthly savings $60
Full payback in 11 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 0.8 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 37 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 1,992 mi less a year

System Size 3kW

Roof Size Min. space required

215 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $1,078 a year

Est. Price

$11,409

Savings from a 3kWthis system

Est. yearly production 3,900 kWh
Est. monthly savings $90
Full payback in 11 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.21 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 55 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 2,988 mi less a year

System Size 4kW

Roof Size Min. space required

286 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $1,438 a year

Est. Price

$15,212

Savings from a 4kWthis system

Est. yearly production 5,201 kWh
Est. monthly savings $120
Full payback in 11 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 1.61 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 74 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 3,984 mi less a year

System Size 5kW

Roof Size Min. space required

358 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $1,797 a year

Est. Price

$19,015

Savings from a 5kWthis system

Est. yearly production 6,501 kWh
Est. monthly savings $150
Full payback in 11 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.01 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 92 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 4,980 mi less a year

System Size 6kW

Roof Size Min. space required

429 ft²

Electricity Value Annual Production $2,156 a year

Est. Price

$22,818

Savings from a 6kWthis system

Est. yearly production 7,801 kWh
Est. monthly savings $154
Full payback in 12 years

Environmental Impacts

Reduces CO2 emissions by 2.07 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 95 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 5,121 mi less a year

Current utility bill:

Maine solar incentives, tax credit, and rebates

Maine has 6 rebates and tax credits that you may be eligable for. Visit the official links for more details to see if you apply.

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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

As a general rule, unless there are local limitations, the main limitations to the amount of solar panels you can put on your roof are the available space on your roof, your electricity usage, your providers net metering rules, and the limitations of your house hold electrical system.
Based on our research the average price per installed watt is $3.8 in Maine. This means for a 10kW system you can expect to pay $38,030 though pricing can vary significantly between installers based on the projects requirements.
Based on a Zillow research study from 2019, home with solar panels sell for roughly 4.1% more.
To generate the most power, solar panels in the United States should face true south as this generally results in the solar panels receiving the most light each day throughout the course of the year. That said, given that energy prices are often variable throughout the day, your installer may recommend you rotate your panels slightly so that the panels will receive more light at the end of the day when energy prices can be more expensive. That said, for most consumers the positioning of solar panels is highly dependent on your home's roof.
Based on our continuously updated database of solar installers, we have found 15 verified solar install companies in Maine