How much do solar panels cost in Maine?
Residential solar panel installations can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000 or more, with individual costs varying. On average, Maine residents pay $16,980 before taxes for their system.
The size of your system plays an important role in the total payment amount. The typical size of solar systems in Maine is 5.7 kW. You can determine how big your system should be with a little math.
First, check how much electricity you used last year in kilowatt-hours (kWh). You will find this information in your online account. Then divide the kWh per year by 1200 to calculate the required system size.
For example, a typical home in Maine uses 7,008 kWh per year. In other words, a 6 kW system.
“WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN KW AND KWH?”
Average Cost by System Size in Maine
| 5 kW | 6 kW | 7 kW | 8 kW | 9 kW | 10 kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| After Federal Tax Credit | US$9905 | US$11886 | US$13867 | US$15848 | US$17,829 | US$19,810 |
| Before the federal tax credit | US$14,150 | US$16,980 | US$19,810 | US$22640 | US$25,470 | US$28,300 |
Source: Ecowatch
Should you use solar panels in Maine?
Switching to solar energy is worth it for many Maine homeowners. A typical system pays for itself in 10 years, and your estimated net savings will average $25,880 over 25 years.
We spoke to solar customers across the country. In Maine and many other states, it's only worth it if you work with a good solar company. For example, Adam van Troy told us about his experience with Tesla Energy.
“Although the price seems a little high, at least in my experience, the overall quality is worth it,” he said. "I don't mind things not working or breaking after a short time and the service was excellent."
Maine receives an average of 3 to 3.5 hours of sunshine per day.
Maine has some of the highest energy costs in the country, and they're unlikely to go down anytime soon. Going solar is now a smart way to make your monthly utility bills more predictable.
The environmental benefits alone are enough to justify installing solar panels for some. Others use solar panels to achieve energy independence and insure against inevitable power outages.
Unfortunately, not all locations in Maine are suitable for installing photovoltaic (PV) systems. Ideally, the panels should be positioned facing south to ensure sufficient unobstructed sunlight. So if you live in an area with a lot of tall trees, you may not produce enough energy to make it worth it.
“Still NOT SURE? Pros and cons of solar energy
Cost of Solar Energy in Maine
The final cost of your solar installation depends on several factors. These include the size of your system, the efficiency of your panels, the company you use, the cost of permits, and the need for roof repairs. Here's what you need to remember.
Cost of solar equipment
Four major equipment components impact your budget when installing a solar power system. First, most of the cost comes from the solar panels themselves. Their cost may vary depending on performance, size and weight.
Other components may increase the overall cost. If you choose solar panels, you'll get an additional $7,000 to $18,000. Adding a monitoring system will cost you another $80 to $400, although some companies include it in the total cost.
Finally, you need a solar inverter to convert the energy from the panel into something you can use in your home. Solar inverters typically cost between $1,000 and $3,000.
" COMPARISON. The most efficient solar panels
The condition of your roof
Although having your roof inspected may be an additional expense, don't skip it. Solar panels last between 25 and 30 years, and you want your roof to last that long.
If this doesn't happen, you'll have to pay to have the solar panels removed during the roof repair and then pay to have them installed again. So, before adding panels, make sure your roof is in excellent condition.
" MUST: Replace your roof before going solar.
How do you pay?
There are several ways to finance a solar panel system. What you choose depends on your finances and whether you want to own the system.
Paying for the entire system up front gives you full ownership and is usually one of the cheapest long-term options since you won't pay interest. However, many people do not have enough savings to pay for solar installation out of pocket.
Solar loans allow you to borrow what you need for your system and pay it back over time. Of course, this may be more expensive since you will have to pay interest.
The third option is a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). While you won't have equipment with these options, you can reap the benefits of solar energy without paying much (or maybe nothing) up front.
» SOLAR SALES. rent or buy
Other Solar Cost Factors
Please note that other fees may apply. Maintenance of solar panels is usually fairly simple, but you may incur additional costs for periodic repairs, replacement of components, or cleaning.
Then there is the issue of permissions and installation. Most local authorities require permission to install solar panels and this will increase your overall bill. Most companies include the cost of solar panel installation and labor in the total cost of the solar system, but it's a good idea to check before signing any deals.
" GUIDE. Install solar panels
Maine Solar Incentives, Tax Credits and Rebates
The average federal ITC cost in Maine in 2023 will be $5,094.
The federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is the best way to save on solar energy in the Pine Tree State. Install the system before the end of 2032 and you'll receive a federal tax credit equal to 30% of the total cost of the system. The total cost includes everything needed for your system, including hardware, labor, and permits.
Maine also offers tax incentives for homes with solar panels. Homeowners can receive a 100% property tax break.
" YOU KNOW. Solar Incentives in Maine
Compare Solar Panel Companies in Maine
Compare popular solar companies available in Maine below. Read our guide to the best solar companies for more information.
| Solar energy | Crest | StoreSolar: | Tesla Energy | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| elementary |  | Solar energy | To learn more | Customer rating 2192 reviews 2192 reviews | Free consultation | Payment options Cash, credit, rent | Guarantee from 10 to 25 years |
| elementary |  | Crest | To learn more | Customer rating 2684 reviews 2684 reviews | Free consultation | Payment options Cash, credit, rent | Guarantee 25 years |
| elementary |  | StoreSolar: | To learn more | Customer rating 103 reviews 103 reviews | Free consultation | Payment options Cash, credit | Guarantee Differentiate |
| elementary |  | Tesla Energy | To learn more | Customer rating 514 reviews514 reviews | Free consultation | Payment options Cash, Rent, Installments | Guarantee 25 years (system) |
FAQ
Can I Get Free Solar Panels in Maine?
We are not aware of a legal free solar program in Maine. You can lease or enter into a PPA with virtually no upfront costs.
» FREE SOLAR SALES. Are they really free?
How are solar costs changing in Maine?
According to the Solar Energy Industry Association, the cost of solar power in Maine has dropped 43% over the past 10 years.
How does net metering work in Maine?
When your solar installation produces more energy than you can use, that extra energy is fed back into the electrical grid. In fact, you can make money from it purely through accounting. Utility companies in Maine will bill you as payment for your energy through a net metering program.
" Comparison: The Best Solar Monitoring Systems
How many solar panels do I need for my home?
The number of solar panels you need depends on how much electricity your household uses. Maine's average monthly energy consumption is 584 kWh. A 2,000 square foot home typically requires about 19 panels.
What types of solar inverters are there?
There are two main types of solar inverters used in residential solar installations: string inverters and microinverters. String inverters connect multiple panels and send electricity to a location where it is converted into electricity that can be used in your home.
Microinverters are miniature converters that connect to each individual panel. They are more effective in preventing power loss.
" LEARN: What are grid-connected solar systems?
Bottom line
Maine is one of the greenest states. It's cheaper to use solar energy there than in many other states. Even if you can't use 100% solar energy, miners can greatly benefit from installing panels in their homes.
Below you'll see how solar costs, savings, and payback times in Maine compare to neighboring states. The payback period may vary, but the environmental benefits alone make solar energy worthwhile for some homeowners.
Cost of solar energy. Maine compared to neighboring states
| Initial value* | ITC fees (30%) | Typical System Size | Average cost per watt | Terms of payment ** | Estimated net savings | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maine | US$16,980 | $5094 | 5.7 kW | US$2.83 | 10 years | US$25,880 |
| New Hampshire | US$18,916 | US$5675 | 6.5 kW | US$2.91 | 9 years | US$28,409 |
| Vermont | US$17,220 | US$5166 | 6 kW | US$2.87 | 9 years | US$26,468 |
| Rhode Island | US$17,040 | US$5112 | 6 kW | US$2.84 | 8 years | US$34,519 |
*Prior to receiving the federal ITC tax credit. ** Upon full payment.
Article sources:
To support their work, consumer authors rely primarily on original research based on government data, industry experts, and other authoritative publications. Specific sources for this article include:
- EcoWatch, “The Cost of Solar Energy in Maine.” Retrieved November 8, 2023
- EnergySage, “Maine Solar Panels. Local prices and installation data.” Retrieved November 13, 2023
- Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy, "A Homeowner's Guide to the Federal Solar Photovoltaic Energy Tax Credit." Retrieved November 8, 2023
- Solar Industry Association, Maine Solar. Retrieved November 8, 2023
- DSIRE, Maine Programs. Retrieved November 8, 2023
- Efficiency Maine, Solar Electric. Retrieved November 8, 2023
How to Avoid Solar Energy Scams | Ask in this old house
