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Best Solar Panel Installation Companies in Maine – CNET

March 4, 2024 Admin

While Maine may not seem like a natural fit for solar panels, higher than average energy prices might make rooftop solar panel installation make sense for you. Maine was among the 10 states with the highest electricity rates in August 2023 — and the average price per kilowatt-hour was up 20% from where it was a year earlier. 

Higher electricity prices typically means more savings from adopting solar panels, but this goes to show that how much electricity you use is a big part of the equation, too. While statewide trends are a useful marker, your decision to go solar should be rooted in your specific circumstances. Solar panels still cost thousands of dollars even after getting much cheaper over the last decade. 

State-level incentives such as net metering and a property tax exemption for the value that solar panels add to your home could help make the clean energy switch a more enticing decision. A federal 30% tax credit from the Inflation Reduction Act can also reduce the cost of your installation, but you should calculate your likely savings over your solar panels’ lifetime before taking the plunge.

If you’re interested in going solar in Maine, this is a good place to start. These are some of the solar companies you might contract with for solar installation in the Pine Tree State.

Best national solar panel companies in Maine

No matter how many options of solar installer you have, you should always get multiple quotes so you can compare offers. Here are the national solar companies CNET has reviewed that operate in Maine.

SunPower Solar

Best solar panels

If you’re looking for top-of-the-line solar panels, SunPower is your best choice. But don’t write it off if you’re looking for a less flashy installation that will get the job done. This year it started installing Qcells panels, which should make an installation from the longest-tenured company on our list available to more people.

Tesla Solar

Most affordable

Tesla’s solar branch seems to be the least loved of Elon Musk’s ventures. Even Tesla’s Solar Roof seems to get more love.

If price is the thing you won’t budge on, consider Tesla. By all accounts, Tesla installs quality panels and makes the closest thing there is to a household name in solar storage: the Powerwall.

Where you might miss out is customer service. Discussion online seems to suggest Tesla’s service is a bit of a gamble.

Local solar panel companies in Maine

Alongside the national players, there are plenty of local companies to choose from. Here’s a small selection of them.

How to determine which solar company in Maine is right for you

The Solar Energy Industries Association says homeowners in Maine have 31 solar panel installers to choose from. Solar panel companies have different installation processes — some use in-house employees to perform solar panel system installations while other companies hire subcontractors. Make sure you know the installation process of the company you want to work with.

Finding the right solar company means finding the one that best fits your energy goals. That means you need to consider multiple important variables. Make sure the solar installer you’re looking to contract with has the equipment and warranties you’re comfortable with and offers quality customer service. Go into your consultations equipped with knowledge about how many solar panels you need and how much you can save (including net metering and whether or not it’s available to you) so that you don’t get oversold.

No matter how great the first company you talk to is, always get multiple quotes — a minimum of four to five solar company consultations is a good start. That way, by the time you lock in a contract with a solar installer, you know you’re getting a good deal.

Cost of solar panels in Maine

Here’s a look at the average cash price for a typical solar panel system in Maine before factoring in tax credits and incentives, according to data from FindEnergy.com. It’s important to note that your system could cost more if you choose to install a solar battery. National averages vary from source to source. One estimate from solar consulting firm Wood Mackenzie (PDF) puts the average residential price for the second quarter of 2023 at $3.28 per watt. All estimates and averages are just that. The price you pay might vary based on local factors like permitting and labor costs and costs specific to your system like its size or the complexity of your roof.

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Average cost of solar panels in Maine

How to pay for solar panels in Maine 

There are financing options to make the switch to solar affordable. While some residents buy solar panels upfront, others finance them over time with a solar loan. It’s also important to factor in the solar payback period, which is the time it takes to recoup your upfront investment and when savings begins. 

Here are some ways to pay for solar panels.

Solar loan: Your solar installer likely has a relationship with a bank or other financial institution to offer a loan designed for solar panels. This can be a great deal, but you’ll want to get multiple offers to ensure the rates and terms are the best.

Lease or power purchase agreement: Some solar companies allow you to lease your system or enter a power purchase agreement. If you choose to lease, you won’t own the solar system, you’ll just pay for use of the equipment. Entering a power purchase agreement means you’ll buy solar energy generated from the solar company to power your home. The price you’ll pay is usually lower than the retail rate from your local utility company. You won’t get tax credits from leases and power purchase agreements, since you won’t own the solar panels. Maine allows third-party ownership of solar panels, but regulations vary within states, so confirm for yourself.

Cash: This approach only works if you happen to have thousands of dollars sitting around in a bank account. If you don’t have that yet, but you want solar panels in the future, consider saving money in a high-yield savings account. Interest rates are high right now, and this can help you save faster.

Home equity: You don’t have to use a loan from your solar company. Financial institutions offer home equity loans and lines of credit (or HELOCs) that are commonly used for home improvement projects. These loans can be used for basically any purpose, and they may be a good fit for your solar project. Shop around and make sure you’re getting the best deal.

Personal loan: You can also borrow the money through a personal loan. The main difference between a personal loan and a home equity loan is that a personal loan is typically unsecured. That means your house isn’t at risk. The downside is they tend to have shorter terms and higher interest rates than home equity products.

Installation factors to keep in mind

Investing in solar panels is a big decision, so you should consider all elements that could determine whether it’s the right move for you. Keep these factors in mind.

Is your roof right for solar? Some roofs may not be in the right condition for efficient solar panel installation. The size, shape and slope of the roof will affect how much power the system can produce. According to the Department of Energy, solar panels will be most efficient on roofs with a slope between 15 and 40 degrees. You should also consider the age and condition of your roof. If it is older or in need of maintenance, your roof should be replaced or repaired before installing solar panels.

Does your neighborhood allow solar panels? In some states, home owners associations have the power to prohibit solar panel systems. Maine law states that homeowners associations and neighborhoods are not allowed to ban solar panels, but may be able to influence your system’s design or location. Check your homeowners association bylaws before entering any agreement.

Can you add your panels to your insurance policy? Most standard homeowner’s policies cover rooftop solar panels, so you shouldn’t need to take out a separate policy. After installing your panels, contact your insurance agency to update your policy. The specific details of your policy could vary depending on your coverage.

Is your location right for solar? On average, Maine receives 192 sunny days per year, which is slightly lower than the US average (205 days). Solar panels are designed to produce energy in all climates and areas with less direct sunlight. One rule of thumb says that solar panels make financial sense if they receive at least four hours of direct sunlight a day. If you live in a cloudy region of Maine or your roof gets constant shade coverage, a solar panel system won’t produce as much electricity as it would in direct sunlight.

Do you rent your home? Renters will need to check with a landlord or rental management company to confirm whether solar panels are allowed. If not, you can consider community solar programs as an alternative to rooftop solar. Community solar is a good option for renters because your subscription can align with your lease. The solar energy is produced at another location, so there’s no need for installation at your apartment or rental home.

How we found the best solar companies