Maine solar panels: The complete guide in 2025
Data updated Jul 15, 2025
Looking to go solar in Maine? On average, you'll need to install a 11.7 kW solar panel system to cover your electric bill—which costs about $24,110 after the federal tax credit.
Cost for an average system in Maine
| Out of pocket cost, cash | $34,443 |
| Federal tax credit (30%) | - $10,333 |
| Price post tax credit | $24,110 |
| 25-year savings | Payback period | Electricity offset |
|---|---|---|
| $64,483 | 12 Years | 94% |
As long as your federal tax bill is high enough, you can take advantage of the federal investment tax credit (ITC).
See your solar savings
Compare multiple offers and save up to 20%
Going solar in Maine
Maine is better known for dreary winters than for ample sunshine. But considering the state's high electricity prices, solar still makes sense for most Mainers.
While The Pine Tree State doesn't offer many state-level rebates and incentives for solar, it does have a rock-solid net metering policy. So solar still pays for itself pretty quickly.
Here's what you need to know about going solar in Maine.
Cost
How much do solar panels cost in Maine?
Solar panels will save you a lot of money over time, but the upfront costs aren't cheap. The average Maine homeowner needs a 11.7 kW solar panel system to cover their electricity needs, which comes out to $34,443 before incentives. Prices range from $29,277 to $39,609, but after the federal tax credit, that drops by 30%.
While this is a lot of money, adding solar panels will help you avoid paying Maine's high electricity rates. That's why over 9,200 Maine homeowners have used EnergySage to receive and compare quotes for solar installations. You can expect to earn back your initial solar investment through electricity savings in about 11.82 years, while most systems last at least 25 years. You'll often see this number referenced as your solar payback period.
Solar panel systems are expensive upfront purchases, but there are a few different financing options to make that initial cost more manageable.
Cash purchase: You pay for your entire system upfront. This provides the best long-term savings.
Solar loan: Enables you to maintain ownership of your system while owing little to no money upfront. When it comes to solar loans, subsidized clean energy loans through local incentive programs are usually your best bet. The next best options include a home equity loan or a personal loan—private solar loans typically come with higher interest rates or upfront fees.
Solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA): A third-party company owns your system and either leases you the solar panels (solar lease) or allows you to purchase the electricity they generate (PPA). In general, these provide the lowest savings and garner the most negative press about solar. If you go this route, remember to read the fine print so you’re not trapped in a contract for longer than you intend.
)
Incentives
What are the best solar rebates and incentives in Maine?
Incentives help bring solar's price tag down considerably in Maine. Here are the major ones to know about:
| Incentive | Average savings in Maine | Description |
|---|---|---|
Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit, formerly the federal investment tax credit (ITC) | $10,333 | Lowers your solar panel system's cost by 30% |
Maine solar property tax exemption | The typical property tax in Maine is 1.09% | Exempt from paying property taxes on the value added by solar panels. |
Is net metering available in Maine?
Some states grant you bill credits that you earn from your utility company whenever your solar panel system generates excess electricity and sends it to the grid. This incentive is known as net metering, and it can significantly reduce—or even eliminate—your electric bill.
In Maine, the net metering rules apply to all electric utilities, including Versant, Central Maine Power, Eastern Maine Electric Coop, and smaller providers.
One detail to note: Maine’s net metering policy is referred to as “net energy billing.” This is a little confusing, because in the solar industry, “net billing” is typically used to describe policies with less favorable terms for consumers.
This isn't the case in Maine: It has an excellent solar buyback policy, among the best in the U.S.
Learn more about Maine's net metering policy, or check out program specifics below:
Equipment
Equipment quality
The more efficient a solar panel is, the more power per square foot. As of 2025, the most popular solar panels have a rated output of 450 watts. To get the most out of your solar energy system, choose panels with at least that much power output.
Your solar inverter setup is also important consideration—make sure it suits your roof’s layout.
And if you’re interested in a solar battery, it’s best to choose one that integrates with that inverter.
The best equipment tends to be more expensive, but it will often save you more money in the end. Premium equipment often has the best warranty terms, guaranteeing 25-40 years of coverage for repairs, replacements, and the lowest degradation rates (meaning they’ll maintain more of their power output for longer).
Companies
Who are the best solar installers in Maine?
We pre-screen all of the solar companies on EnergySage to ensure they'll provide you with a high-quality installation. We then rate them based on their results, reputation, and responsiveness. Here are the highest-rated EnergySage installers in Maine:
Ready to start looking for a solar installer?
Here are some of the most popular ones near you:
)
resources
Top solar resources for Maine
- Maine Solar Loan Providers
Search through our list of top loan providers to finance your solar panel system.
- Community Solar farms in Maine
Can't install solar on your roof? Check out local solar farms to save money.
- Maine Public Utilities Commission
Read more about how utility companies work in ME.
- Maine Electricity Profile (EIA)
Learn about ME energy production and prices.
- ME State Solar Factsheet (SEIA)
See quick stats about how much solar energy has grown in ME.
- Maine Public Utilities Commission
Read more about how utility companies work in ME.
Real homes. Real savings.
Helping customers make informed decisions since 2009.
Learn more about solar
Explore heat pumps, the latest in clean heating & cooling technology.
