Cost of Solar Panels in Maine (2026)

How much do solar panels cost in Maine?

Before considering any incentives, a typical residential solar panel installation costs $22,176 in Maine.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Maine

NOTE: The estimated costs above do not include the price of a solar storage battery. Adding a battery can double your total system costs.

How to compare solar quotes

Get quotes from at least three to four different solar companies in Maine. Make sure the estimated price includes all the equipment you want, labor, permits and grid hookup. Watch for hidden fees for system monitoring or maintenance service charges.

Solar prices in Maine have decreased 42% over the last decade.

Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage. Similar to “cost per square foot” when buying a house, “cost per watt” allows you to compare the relative value of a solar panel system. It shows you the per-dollar price of your system’s energy production potential.

According to our latest research, the average cost per watt is $2.88 in Maine.

» TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

Are solar panels worth it in Maine?

Going solar is worth it for many Maine homeowners. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 16.68 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). Estimated total avoided utility costs average $30,419 over 25 years.

Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

One resident, Kate in Cumberland Center, likes saving on electricity costs and protecting against future price increases. “It really seems smart,” she told us. “CMP just requested an other increase in fees — 12% this time. My costs have been locked in so I’ll miss that and future price increases.”

Regional solar considerations in Maine

Whether going solar is worth it also depends on where you live in Maine. Since solar panels generate more power with more sunlight, lots of shading from trees can affect the financial returns on your investment.

We suggest using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

Solar panel installation cost factors in Maine

How much you pay to go solar largely depends on the size of your system, the equipment you want and the condition of your roof. Local permits and fees are a small part of your overall costs.

Size of your system

A typical Maine household needs about a 7.7 kW system, which costs $22,176 on average. Depending on your household’s energy needs, you might need a smaller or larger system.

How to estimate what system size you need: First, look at your electric bill. It should say how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year. Then, divide that number by 1,200 to estimate your system size in kilowatts (kW).

For example, if you used 12,000 kWh of electricity last year, you would need a 10-kW system. If you used 10,800 kWh, you would need a 9-kW system.

Pro tip

Upgrade old appliances with more eco-friendly ones before you go solar. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, which makes the entire system more cost-effective.

» WATT’S THE DIFFERENCE? kW vs. kWh

Solar equipment

The equipment — panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall solar costs (approximately 25% to 50%).

• Solar panels: Prices vary depending on efficiency rating. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best bang for your buck. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline.
• Solar batteries: The cost of solar batteries generally ranges between $7,000 and $18,000. Solar batteries store any excess energy your panels produce during the day, allowing you to keep your lights on at night. Without a battery, that unused clean energy goes to the power grid, and you’ll still depend on utility power after dark.
• Solar inverters: Inverters convert the solar power generated by your panels from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs usually range from $1,000 to $3,000.
• Monitoring system: Some companies include a solar monitoring system to track the amount of energy your system produces and identify any potential issues. If not, you can buy a stand-alone system for $80 to $400.

Condition of your roof

High-quality solar panels last 25 to 30 years, and your roof needs to last just as long.

ConsumerAffairs often hears from disgruntled solar customers who feel blindsided by expensive roof repairs needed after their solar panel installation was complete. This is a frustrating and expensive process — avoid it if you can.

To ensure a seamless and cost-effective solar installation, your roof must match the system's longevity. Get your roof inspected, fixed or replaced before you go solar.

Local labor costs

Labor, which includes planning, preparing and connecting your solar system to the grid, accounts for 10% to 30% of total costs. Solar equipment costs are going down, but labor costs are still relatively high in some parts of the state.

You might be tempted to install the system yourself. DIY solar panels are cheaper, but there are potential issues: Incorrectly installed solar panels can cause roof leaks, electrical safety risks and other dangerous problems.

Pro tip

If you have an electric car, ask about EV charger options. Homeowners in more rural parts of Maine should also consider critter guards to protect the panels.

» RELATED: How many solar panels do you need for your home?

Local permits and fees

Cities generally require an electrical and building permit to install a solar panel system, though each municipality has its own specific rules and fees.

For instance, Portland, Maine, has an online self-service portal to manage projects that require permitting and inspections, including solar panel installation. A residential solar panel installation costs $595 in fees, according to the City of Portland’s website.

Ongoing maintenance costs

Solar panel maintenance is usually fairly simple, but you might face extra costs for occasional repairs, component replacements or cleaning.

» GUIDE: Solar panel installation

How can I pay for solar panels in Maine?

Financing options and leasing programs make going solar much more affordable for the average Mainer. In an ideal scenario, your solar power system generates enough extra power to cancel out your monthly payment.

• Solar financing: A solar loan works like any other type of home improvement loan. There’s an application and approval process. You pay it back over time (with interest) each month.
• Solar leases: Leasing solar panels lets you set up a system without the high upfront costs. A potential downside is that you are not eligible for the same financial incentives.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Solar incentives, tax credits and rebates in Maine

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is now set to expire at the end of the year, much earlier than previously scheduled. This means you have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install and pay for a system to qualify for the 30% credit.

On the bright side, you can still take advantage of additional solar incentives in Maine, including a property tax exemption and net metering.

What to know about net metering

Net metering is a system of give-and-take between you and your utility company. It lets you access power from the grid when your panels don’t generate enough electricity. Net metering also lets you earn credits for sending any excess solar energy to the grid.

These credits can offset the cost of electricity consumed at other times. Maine also has a rate program that offers dollar credits instead. The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) sets rates for both programs each year.

Compare solar installation companies in Maine

We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in Maine.

FAQ

Bottom line

Residential solar panel system costs typically fall between $10,000 and $30,000 or higher, depending on factors like the system's size, local labor rates and available incentives. Maine homeowners with solar panels can typically save more than that in total avoided energy costs over the lifetime of a system.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in Maine and other states.

Solar costs vs. savings: Maine and nearby states