The Pine Tree State shines bright with solar energy

The state of solar in Maine

Though Maine doesn’t get as much sunshine as some other states, it does have an average of 192 bright, sunny days a year,^*BestPlaces.net, "Climate in Maine" (accessed 7/21/2021) https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/maine#:~:text=On%20average%2C%20there%20are%20192%20sunny%20days%20per%20year%20in%20Maine.&text=Maine%20gets%20some%20kind%20of,on%20the%20ground%20to%20measure a bit less than the national average of 205 days. However, the good news is that 70% of the buildings in Maine are solar viable.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018)

That means Maine has a lot more solar potential than its residents and business owners are using. As of the first half of 2021, Maine ranked 37th in the nation for solar power, with growth projections of 1,597 MW over the next five years.^*SEIA.org, "Maine Solar" (accessed 7/21/2021) https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/maine-solar

As you may be aware, the Maine Public Service Commission regulates the state’s public utilities, including the electricity rates and services. Another important agency is the Maine State Energy Office, an important resource on Maine’s energy-related statistics as well as the state’s energy programs, policies, and projects.

How much solar energy does Maine produce?

Though Maine doesn’t receive as much sunlight as neighboring states, the region has enough peak sun-filled hours to generate a fair amount of solar energy throughout the state. By 2019, the state had 55 MW of installed solar energy panels.^*Natural Resources Council of Maine, "Solar Power in Maine" (accessed 7/21/2021) https://www.nrcm.org/programs/climate/clean-energy/solar-power-in-maine/ However, that number had increased to 245.8 MW by the first quarter of 2021.^*SEIA.org, "Maine Solar" (accessed 7/21/2021) https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/maine-solar

What are the advantages of going solar in Maine?

Solar panels for homes in Maine offer many benefits, both to you as an energy consumer and to our environment. As a clean energy source, solar power reduces the state’s dependency on fossil fuels like natural gas and coal. Many residents, businesses, and state government officials are pushing for solar energy in Maine primarily because it doesn’t harm the environment or contribute to pollution.

High-efficiency solar systems are also more affordable in 2021 than they have been in previous years. Plus, going solar increases energy independence while helping you save you money on monthly utility bills. Another perk is that investing in a solar system will boost your property’s value. Although going solar requires an initial investment, the payback period (that is, the time it takes to recoup your investment) is just short of 11 years, on average.^*EnergySage. Maine Solar Panels (accessed 7/23/21). https://www.energysage.com/solar-panels/me/?rc=seia

How much does solar cost in Maine?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include:

• Quality of the solar panels

• Weather

• Roof space and condition

• Premise’s energy needs

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we’ve analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.

In Maine, we found that the average investment to own a 5 kW solar system ranges from $15,050 to $14,200, or in other words, from $2.84 to $3.01 per watt, and that’s before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

Pine Tree State residents can further reduce solar equipment and installation costs by taking advantage of the Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Maine residents who install a solar system onto their primary residences can claim a 30% tax credit toward the overall solar system installation cost on their federal income taxes.

The state offers several incentives for its residents as well. For instance, PACE (Property-Assessed Clean Energy) Loans can finance a solar system with no money down; be sure to check with your local government. These are also available for commercial properties as C-PACE loans.^*Maine: Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (accessed 7-23-21) https://spotforcleanenergy.org/state/maine/commercial-property-assessed-clean-energy/

Net metering (also called Net Energy Billing) will give solar panel owners credit on utility bills to produce an energy surplus.^*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information. Be sure to contact your utility company for its specifics.

Combine these incentives with a 43% decsease in solar costs over the last five years,^*SEIA.org, "Maine Solar" (accessed 7/21/2021) https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/maine-solar and it seems this is great time to go solar in Maine.

What’s the best way to go solar in Maine?

Researching what it takes to go solar in your area can be extensive and stressful. As such, it is better to work with a skilled, experienced solar provider.

Going solar in Maine involves more than buying a solar system and installing the panels on your roof. You need to determine the number of solar panels necessary to generate the power your household or business needs. Other factors that will affect your decision include the panels’ quality and durability, appearance, size, and cost.

Working with a reputable solar provider will ensure that you have the most suitable solar solutions for your property. Not only will the company consult with you about the condition of your roof and your energy needs, but a knowledgeable team will also maximize your savings by educating you on state and federal incentives for going solar.

If you’re ready to get started, we’re happy to help. Simply request a free consultation with SunPower below and we'll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.