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Maine · ME

Solar Panels in Maine:
Is It Worth It in 2026?

Maine averages 1271.8 kWh per kWp per year with 4.3 peak sun hours per day. At 30.73¢/kWh, an 8 kW system saves roughly $3,127/year and pays back in about 4.8 years.

Maine Solar at a Glance

Peak sun hours / day4.3 hrs
Avg solar yield1271.8 kWh/kWp/yr
Electricity rate30.73¢ / kWh
Avg payback (8 kW)4.8 years
Annual savings (8 kW)$3,127/yr
Net meteringFull retail net metering ✓

EIA data updated: April 11, 2026 · EIA, PVGIS v5.3

Solar Incentives in Maine

Federal ITC
30%

The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. Cash and loan purchases no longer qualify. State incentives below still apply.

State Programs
Rebates & Exemptions

Sales tax exemption, Efficiency Maine rebates ($500–1,500), net energy billing

Total Savings
Varies

Utility rebates, exemptions, and net metering still apply. Federal ITC expired Dec 2025. Plus sales tax exemption. Property value increase is tax-exempt.

All Available Incentives in Maine

Federal ITC (Section 25D) — Expired December 31, 2025 — no longer available for residential cash/loan
Sales Tax Exemption — Solar equipment is sales-tax exempt
Property Tax Exemption — Solar-added home value not taxed
Net Metering — Full retail net metering ✓

How Much Solar Power Do Maine Cities Get?

Real PVGIS yield data and EIA electricity rates for all 2 cities. Click any city for detailed payback calculations.

Portland
1284.5 kWh/kWp · 4.8 yr payback
Lewiston
1259 kWh/kWp · 4.9 yr payback
Personalized estimate

Enter your monthly bill — get exact payback numbers for Maine.

Calculator
All Maine incentives

Full breakdown of credits, rebates, net metering, and SREC programs.

Incentives

Solar in Maine: Frequently Asked Questions

Is solar worth it in Maine?
Yes — Maine is one of the best solar states in the US. At 30.73¢/kWh and 1271.8 kWh/kWp/year, an 8 kW system pays back in just 4.8 years and generates an estimated $57,546 over 25 years. Maine passed a landmark community solar law and has strong net metering. High electricity rates (22¢+) make payback under 8 years despite lower sun.
What solar incentives are available in Maine?
Maine homeowners can stack multiple incentives: the state solar incentives (federal ITC expired Dec 2025) (ITC) — $6,480 on a typical 8 kW system; a property tax exemption (solar-added home value not taxed); sales tax exemption on solar equipment; and net metering through Central Maine Power. Maine passed a landmark community solar law and has strong net metering. High electricity rates (22¢+) make payback under 8 years despite lower sun.
How much electricity do solar panels produce in Maine?
Maine averages 1271.8 kWh per kWp of solar per year — 15% below the US average. An 8 kW system produces roughly 10,174 kWh/year, with a monthly average of 106.0 kWh/kWp. Output varies by location: southern Maine produces more than the north.
How much do solar panels cost in Maine?
The average 8 kW system in Maine costs approximately $21,600.0 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC ($6,480), your net cost is around $15,120. Prices range from $2.40–$3.20/watt installed depending on installer, panel brand, and cold winters and snow — rear-tilted panels shed snow better.

Going Solar in Maine: Step by Step

From first quote to first kilowatt — here is the typical timeline for a residential solar installation in Maine. Most homeowners complete this process in 6–12 weeks.

  1. 1
    Get 3 quotes

    Prices in Maine average $22,400 for an 8 kW system before incentives. Getting three quotes typically saves 10–15%. Use the same system size so you can compare apples to apples.

  2. 2
    Review your electricity bill

    Your last 12 months of usage determines the right system size. At 30.73¢/kWh in Maine, a system that offsets 90% of your bill hits the best cost-per-kWh sweet spot.

  3. 3
    Check state incentives

    Maine does not have a statewide solar tax credit, but utility rebates and net metering may still apply. Sales tax exemption.

  4. 4
    Sign contract & apply for permits

    Your installer pulls the building permit and files interconnection paperwork with your utility. Permit approval in Maine typically takes 1–4 weeks depending on your county.

  5. 5
    Installation day

    A standard 8 kW residential installation takes 1–2 days. Racking goes on first, then panels, then the inverter is wired to your main panel. The crew usually keeps the power on throughout.

  6. 6
    Utility inspection & interconnection

    After installation your utility inspects the system and approves grid connection. This final step can take 1–3 weeks. Once approved, your meter tracks both import and export.

Data summary for Maine: Maine averages 1271.8 kWh/kWp/year with 4.3 peak sun hours/day. Electricity costs 30.73¢/kWh. An 8 kW solar system saves ~$3,127/year and pays back in 4.8 years. Sales tax exemption, Efficiency Maine rebates ($500–1,500), net energy billing.