Despite Maine‘s cold winters and unpredictable weather, installing solar panels can still pay off thanks to mounting state and federal incentives. With power prices continuing to rise, now is a great time to explore solar options to hedge against electricity rate hikes and even earn income through net metering programs.
This guide profiles the top 7 solar companies serving Maine homeowners and discusses insider tips to maximize savings.
Why Choose Solar in Maine?
While Maine only sees around 192 sunny days per year on average — below the national mean — advancements in solar technology still allow panels to produce ample energy even with indirect and diffuse light. Efficient solar modules combined with batteries provide resilience against power outages during storms.
Between federal tax credits, state/local incentives, and net metering bill credits, solar systems can yield significant long-term savings in the state.
1. Maine Solar Solutions
Founded in 2012, Maine Solar Solutions focuses exclusively on solar installations for Maine homeowners. Their small size belies vast expertise from completing over 1,000 projects across the state.
As one of the first certified B Corporations in Maine, they adhere to high ethical standards and contribute a portion of profits to environmental nonprofits.
Services: Complete solar panel systems, custom design, efficiency upgrades
Financing: Cash, loans
Equipment: Panasonic, Q CELLS, SolarEdge monitoring
Warranty: 25 years on solar panels
Maine Solar Solutions stands out for their deep community roots and philanthropic mission. Their installers offer personalized guidance on taking advantage of Maine‘s solar incentives.
2. New England Clean Energy
Established in 2006, New England Clean Energy services residential solar customers across Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island. Their team holds over 150 combined years of industry experience.
They partner with various equipment manufacturers to offer diverse products catered to each home. An A+ Better Business Bureau rating reflects their reputable customer service.
Services: Solar panels, battery backup, EV charging
Financing: Cash, loans, PACE financing
Equipment: REC, Generac, Tesla Powerwall
Warranty: 10 years labor, 10 years for roof penetrations
While reliable for straightforward installs, NECE solar projects tend to take longer than competitors. Their decade of equipment and penetration warranties provide peace of mind.
3. NuWatt Energy
NuWatt Energy entered the Maine solar scene in 2009. This small business collaborates with AllGuard to back every system with a 25-year warranty on Panasonic panels covering manufacture, performance, and labor defects.
Their NABCEP-certified consultants offer free solar evaluations encompassing shading analysis, cost savings, and financing breakdowns. NuWatt aims to educate homeowners so they feel fully confident in their solar decision.
Services: Solar panels, electric vehicle chargers, battery storage
Financing: Cash, loans
Equipment: Panasonic panels, Enphase microinverters
Warranty: 25 years comprehensive
NuWatt solar consultants shine through their passion for sharing their solar expertise. Their expansive equipment warranty provides complete peace of mind.
4. Sundog Solar
Since their founding in 2009, this Maine family-run company has installed over 4,000 solar projects across the state. Sundog Solar promises transparency throughout the process while emphasizing relationship building.
Their crews perform every step from permitting to activation in-house without third-party subcontractors. Each employee completes over 100 hours of training annually to remain current on the latest technology.
Services: Solar panels, EV chargers, battery backup, hot water
Financing: Cash, loans, PPAs
Equipment: LG, QCells, Tesla Powerwall
Warranty: 25 years on solar modules
Sundog Solar wins loyal customers through their intimate approach and focus on ongoing education. However, their 5-year labor warranty lags behind the 10+ years offered by other leading installers.
5. SunPower
As one of the most prominent nationwide solar providers, SunPower has installed systems powering over 5 million homes globally since their founding in 1985. Their premium panels rank as the most efficient available, engineered to yield more energy per square foot than competitors.
While their pricing trends higher than smaller contractors, SunPower systems reliably outproduce cheaper panels over their lifetime. Their comprehensive 25-year warranty also protects against defects and degradation.
Services: Solar panels, battery storage, EV chargers
Financing: Cash, loans, PPAs, leases
Equipment: SunPower panels, Equinox storage
Warranty: 25 years coverage
For homeowners seeking maximum solar production and reliability, SunPower offers an unrivaled end-to-end solution. Though their panels demand a premium price, the energy savings can recoup the difference over time.
6. Summit Energy
Since 2001, this Maine-owned company has focused on empowering locals to upgrade their homes through solar, battery storage, EV charging, and other improvements. Their installers are fully certified and undergo continuing education annually on leading brands.
A 25-year roof penetration and 30-year labor warranty demonstrate immense confidence in their work. Summit also gives back 5% of profits to community nonprofits through their Gogreen 5 program.
Services: Solar panels, wind turbines, battery backup, EV chargers
Financing: Cash, loans, PPAs
Equipment: REC, Solaria, Panasonic, LG, Tesla
Warranty: 30 years comprehensive
Between Summit Energy‘s robust warranty protection, quality installs, and social mission, customers consistently applaud their service and rave about the savings achieved.
7. ReVision Energy
Founded in 2003, employee-owned ReVision Energy operates Maine‘s most experienced solar team with over 500 installations completed just last year. Their installers participate in a state-approved apprenticeship program to refine their expertise.
They also built Maine‘s first community solar farm enabling broader access to renewable energy. ReVision‘s fair pricing and 25-year equipment warranty make solar attainable.
Services: Solar panels, EV chargers, battery storage, hot water
Financing: Loans, PPAs, community solar
Equipment: Q Cells, REC panels
Warranty: 25 years equipment
ReVision Energy leads the state in solar experience, community education, and making green technology financially accessible through community shared projects. We would prefer to see them extend their workmanship guarantee beyond 5 years however.
How to Save on Solar in Maine
Now that we‘ve covered the top solar firms to consider across Maine, here are insider tips to maximize savings on your system:
Shop Around for Quotes
Compare proposals from multiple installers to leverage them against each other. Prices can vary widely depending on brands used and project specifics.
Ask About Discounts
Inquire about any seasonal, referral, or cash payment discounts. Some companies offer winter discounts for off-peak installations.
Use Federal and State Incentives
Combine the 26% federal solar tax credit through 2033 with additional Maine benefits:
- Property tax exemption on solar equipment
- Favorable net metering policies
- Portland‘s Electrify Everything program providing $2k off
Explore Low-Interest Financing
Take advantage of low solar loan rates and payment plans to eliminate high upfront costs as a financial barrier.
What To Consider When Choosing a Solar Company
Along with pricing, several other factors matter when selecting the best Maine solar provider for your needs:
Reputation – Read reviews and testimonials to gauge install quality, customer service, responsiveness, and transparency by past clients.
Experience – Ask how long they’ve been installing solar in Maine, tallying total projects to date, and their team’s accumulated expertise.
Warranties – Compare warranty terms on both labor and equipment between 25 years up to life of the system.
Equipment – Inquire which panel brands they use and the differences in efficiency, durability, and output to match your home‘s requirements.
Credentials – Confirm the company and installers carry proper licensing, insurance, and bonds with certifications like NABCEP signaling advanced training.
Is Solar Worth It in Maine?
Due to Maine‘s cold climate, some homeowners discount solar as an impractical option. When factoring available incentives and advancements in panel and battery technology however, solar offers a compelling value:
Federal Tax Credit
The 26% tax credit through 2033 deducts nearly $7,500 on average off a standard $25,000 solar system.
Net Metering
Billing credits for surplus solar energy exported back to the grid further accelerate system payback.
Property Tax Exemption
Never pay taxes again on the value of your solar installation.
Combined, these financial benefits enhance solar savings and offset Maine‘s below-average sunshine. Batteries also provide emergency backup and resilience.
Forward-thinking homeowners view solar for its risk mitigation against rising electricity costs just as much as immediate reductions in their bill.
Final Thoughts
This guide should equip you to identify the leading solar firms able to meet your unique requirements and budget based on their experience, equipment quality, warranties, and financing options.
We recommend gathering multiple quotes to compare pricing and incentives. Whether seeking maximum savings through community solar or premium panels and batteries for energy independence, solar in Maine carries substantial advantages.
Discussing your objectives transparently with installers allows them to tailor solutions saving you the most over the system lifespan of 25+ years. Feel confident to negotiate and inquire about available discounts as well.
Maine‘s growing adoption of solar reflects bipartisan recognition of its risk-mitigating and cost-saving merits for households statewide. We hope this breakdown of the top-ranked solar companies serving the state illuminates how you also can profit from integrating solar through enhanced energy resilience and financial security.
