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Best Solar Companies in Maine

We compared 56 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • ION Solar
      4.2(120)
    • Project Solar
      4.3(87)
    • ShopSolar
      4.7(218)
    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Justin Martino

    Best Solar Companies in Maine

    Based on local customer satisfaction ratings, ION Solar is the best solar company in Maine. Project Solar stands out for price transparency benefits, and ShopSolar is our pick for do-it-yourself projects.

    Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
    • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
    • 4,835,137 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
    • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
    • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
    • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

    Our 3 picks for the best solar companies in Maine

    1. Best overall: ION Solar
    2. Best for price transparency: Project Solar
    3. Best for DIY projects: ShopSolar

    The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us, but this does not affect our evaluations. Read the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

    Compare Maine’s top solar energy companies

    Our Maine solar company picks

    High energy costs in Maine make going solar a smart choice for many residents. But with so many options available, where should you start? The ConsumerAffairs Research Team reviewed solar providers to identify the ones that best meet the needs of most homeowners.

    Our top pick overall

    ION Solar

    ION Solar
    4.2
    120 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    21.9%
    Panel warranty
    30 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2013
    Learn More Read Reviews

    From helpful sales reps to knowledgeable installers, ION Solar really stands out for its strong customer service.

    We suggest getting a personalized quote to see if ION Solar is a good fit for you. Most projects are completed in 60 to 90 days.

    What to consider: Reviewers in other states sometimes mention communication issues or installation delays. These types of complaints are common in the industry.

    Solar installations are complicated projects — there’s always a chance that projected timelines change due to weather, supply chain issues and other factors.

    “It was good. He came down here and he had an iPad with some presentation materials that were effective. It took a while to get the permits to get started with the installation. But the installation itself was transparent to us.”
    Ricky Portland, ME
    Pros
    • No upfront payment required
    • 24/7 monitoring
    • Good customer service
    • Solid warranty
    Cons
    • Some communication issues
    • Occasional installation delays
    • Services: Reps coordinate solar system designs and installations as well as roofing services if needed. Energy production monitoring and ongoing system maintenance are available after the installation is complete.
    • Equipment: ION Solar’s NABCEP-certified installers use Silfab solar panels and Enphase microinverters.
    • Warranties: All work performed during the installation is covered for 10 years. Panels are guaranteed to produce at least 85% capacity for 30 years. Enphase microinverters come with a 25-year warranty.
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Installation Experience
    Our pick for price transparency

    Project Solar

    Project Solar
    4.3
    87 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    20.9%
    Panel warranty
    25 years
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2016
    Read Reviews

    Project Solar reps focus on simple, streamlined installations. The no-sales-gimmicks approach appeals to more budget-conscious clients who want either professional services or do-it-yourself options.

    We also appreciate the price transparency. Full-service installations start at $1.61 per watt. DIY projects are cheaper, starting at $1.26 per watt.

    The company partners with a few lenders to offer financing solutions for professional solar installations. DIY customers can pay cash or finance through a third-party lender.

    What to consider: The installation process is generally smooth and professional, but we have heard about some delays due to material shortages or supply chain issues.

    Pros
    • Easy sign-up process
    • High-quality equipment
    • Great value
    Cons
    • Occasional miscommunications
    • Subcontracted installers
    • No in-house financing
    • Services: Reps can handle the necessary paperwork, engineering plans and permit submissions for the installation. You can get a free online quote and explore sizing options for your home.
    • Equipment: Systems incorporate equipment from reputable brands like Qcells, Canadian Solar, Jinko and Enphase.
    • Warranties: There is a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty and a 10-year workmanship warranty. Both are limited and have exclusions like weather damage or misuse.
    Our pick for DIY projects

    ShopSolar

    ShopSolar
    4.7
    218 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Panel warranty
    Varies
    Payment options
    Cash, loan
    Year founded
    2018
    Read Reviews

    ShopSolar is an awesome place to buy everything you need for a do-it-yourself solar project. We like that it has a nice selection of equipment, fast deliveries and good communication.

    You pay for your order in full upfront through ShopSolar’s secure website. Financing is available with rates between 0% and 36% APR.

    What to consider: Some customers experienced problems with their purchases, such as damaged or faulty equipment. Generally, ShopSolar resolved these issues with refunds or replacements.

    “The reps from ShopSolarKits were very nice people and it was very easy to deal with them.”
    Rodney West Enfield, ME
    Pros
    • Great for RVs and outbuildings
    • Price-match guarantee
    • 30-day return policy
    • Lifetime customer support
    Cons
    • No professional installation
    • Some shipping and delivery delays
    • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products
    • Equipment: You can find new and used solar panels, solar storage batteries, inverters, charge controllers, cabling and hardware, mounts and racks. Equipment comes from quality brands like REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow.
    • Warranties: ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties.

    Methodology: How we chose the best solar companies in Maine

    We started with a list of popular solar companies and narrowed it down to those serving Maine. We then ranked them based on the factors that matter most to homeowners:

    Local customer satisfaction (65%)
    We analyzed reviews from verified customers in Maine. Companies with the most recent positive ratings were scored higher.

    Price satisfaction (7%)
    We evaluated customer feedback on overall cost and value.

    Installation satisfaction (7%)
    We looked at reviews of the installation process, including professionalism, timeliness and overall quality of the work.

    Customer service satisfaction (7%)
    We evaluated feedback on how responsive and helpful each company is before, during and after installation.

    Payment options (7%)
    We considered companies that make paying for solar easier by offering multiple financing and payment options.

    Warranties and guarantees (7%)
    A long warranty shows confidence in a company’s work. We compared both equipment and workmanship warranties. Our top picks provide 10 to 25 years of coverage.

    Solar Companies in Maine Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    ION Solar logo
    Project Solar logo
    ShopSolar logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      We’ve heard from more than 100,000 verified solar customers since 2018. A couple of things we know for sure: People like powering their homes with a reliable source of cheap, clean energy. They don’t like getting into solar contracts that don’t meet their expectations.

      Here’s what to expect and what to look out for when buying solar panels in Maine.

      Key insights

      In Maine, a typical residential solar panel system costs $10,401 to $29,717, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.

      Jump to insight

      Watch out for door-to-door solar scams that attempt to gather your personal information, misleading claims, false advertising and aggressive sales tactics.

      Jump to insight

      Many solar customers are happy with the service, installation and cost savings. Others felt misled by pushy sales tactics and ended up with monthly bills higher than expected.

      Jump to insight

      How to choose a solar company 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 $2.97.

      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

      How much does it cost to go solar in Maine?

      Average solar panel costs in Maine typically range between $10,401 to $29,717. 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

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      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 12.61 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

      Solar panel incentives in Maine

      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.

      Are solar panels worth it in Maine?

      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 $54,186 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

      FAQ

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. If you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home.

      It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Reducing your electrical loads now means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper.

      Use the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

      Should I replace my roof before installing solar panels?

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      Can I get free solar panels in Maine?

      We are not aware of any legitimate programs for free solar panels in Maine. However, you can lease a solar energy system with little to no upfront costs. Just look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can end up costing you quite a bit of money.

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      How does net metering work in Maine?

      Sometimes, your solar panels might generate more electricity than your household can use. Net metering lets you sell that extra to the local power grid.

      Maine has two types of net energy billing programs. One compensates you for each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of electricity you generate, and the other offers credits based on what the energy is worth, which can better offset future demand charges.

      The Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC) establishes the rates for both programs each year.

      Compare more solar companies servicing Maine

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this guide include:

        1. DSIRE, "Maine Programs." Accessed Sept. 26, 2025.
        2. Interstate Renewable Energy Council, “Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed Sept. 26, 2025.
        3. WMUR-TV, “Man accused in Maine solar panel scam.” Accessed Sept. 26, 2025.
        4. Federal Trade Commission, “Solar Power for Your Home.” Accessed Sept. 26, 2025.
        5. U.S. Department of Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.” Accessed Sept. 26, 2025.
        6. Solar Energy Industries Association, “Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Energy.” Accessed Sept. 26, 2025.

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