Best Solar Companies in Maine

Solar panels are a long-term investment — most systems last 25 years or more. That means choosing the right installer is just as important as choosing the right equipment.

Based on our research, the best solar energy companies share a few traits: strong customer reviews, high-quality equipment and reliable warranties. Here are the key steps to finding the right fit.

1. Know what you want

If you’re going solar to save on energy costs, you have to make sure your system is big enough to generate enough power.

A typical Maine household needs a 7.7 kW system to offset energy costs enough to make going solar worth it. Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.

How do I know what size system I need?

On your electric bill, it should say how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year. Divide that number by 1,200 to estimate your system size in kilowatts (kW). For example, if you used 12,000 kWh last year, you need a 10-kW system.

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 house?

What to know about solar batteries

Solar panels only generate electricity when the sun is shining. A solar battery stores the extra energy your panels produce during the day so you can use it at night or during a power outage.

Without a battery, that unused energy goes to the grid, and you’ll still depend on utility power after dark.

Adding a battery can provide backup power and reduce electricity costs, but it comes with a higher upfront price. Solar battery costs are generally between $7,000 and $18,000.

2. Read reviews

Look at reviews on platforms like ConsumerAffairs and other forums to see real customer experiences. Watch out for these red flags:

• Equipment failures that aren’t resolved quickly
• Misleading sales tactics about costs or savings
• Billing and contract issues

Local experience matters too. Companies with a history in Maine understand state-specific incentive programs, utility rules, permitting requirements and how to design systems that perform well in long, cold, snowy winters and warm, humid summers.

3. Check credentials

Maine solar installers need a valid electrician’s license issued by the Electricians’ Examining Board. You can also reference the Efficiency Maine Registered Vendor search tool to vet potential installers. Confirm your installer also has:

• Insurance coverage to protect your home during installation
• NABCEP certification (the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners is a respected national credential for solar installers)

4. Compare quotes

Get quotes from at least three or four different solar installers in Maine. This lets you compare different proposed equipment, pricing, financing terms and estimated energy production.

Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In Maine, the average cost per watt is $2.88.

Make sure the quoted price includes installation, permits and grid hookup, and watch for hidden fees like monitoring or service charges.

5. Read the fine print

Carefully review proposals and financials, understand legal considerations and ask about maintenance before signing an agreement with any solar company.

The contract should be easy to understand. Focus on warranties for panels, inverters and installation workmanship, as well as any performance guarantees.

If anything about payment schedules, warranties, monitoring services or system maintenance doesn’t make sense — ask for clarification.

Did you know?

In 2023, a man from Manchester was accused of scamming a homeowner in York County, Maine. The homeowner said she paid $33,000 for a solar panel installation, but investigators said the man’s business address was fake, and he cut off communication once he received the payment upfront.

» TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

Average solar panel costs in Maine typically range between $10,401 to $28,828. The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets.

Average solar panel costs by system size in Maine

Getting solar panels is similar to buying a car. You could pay cash, but many people finance their system through a solar loan. If you have enough savings to pay upfront, the biggest advantage of paying upfront is you don’t have to worry about interest.

Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 16.68 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

Leasing solar equipment is an attractive option for people who don’t want to get a loan or be responsible for maintaining a system.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Maine has a property tax exemption for solar panels, which means you won’t pay property taxes on the increased value they add to your home. You might also qualify for additional solar incentives, tax credits and rebates in Maine.

The ITC expired at the end of 2025.

The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is now set to expire at the end of the year, much earlier than previously scheduled. The credit was expected to drop gradually, then fully expire in 2035 — but those future step-downs have been eliminated as of July 2025.

This means you have until Dec. 31, 2025, to install and pay for a system to qualify for the 30% credit.

The general consensus is that solar panels are worth it in Maine. Many reported significant savings.

Installing solar panels leads to big long-term savings on electricity bills. Many solar customers we spoke to have seen their monthly costs drop dramatically since going solar. On average, Maine homeowners with solar panels can avoid $30,419 in total utility costs over 25 years.

Some residents just appreciate the environmental benefits. For most, it’s a combination that makes installing solar panels worth it in the long run.

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons