Top 5 Best Solar Companies in Maine (2023 Reviews)
In this guide to Maine’s best solar companies, you’ll learn
- What are the best solar providers in ME?
- How do solar panels affect your home value in ME?
- What should Mainers look for in a solar provider?
What Are Maine’s Top 5 Solar Energy Companies?
With solar becoming more and more popular and affordable in ME, residents are finding that they have plenty of options when it comes to solar installation companies. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), there are around 25 local installers that serve the state, plus regional and national installers.
We’ve taken a deep dive into all of the providers in ME and have reviewed the services offered, average solar panel costs and much more to save you time and energy. Below are the top five solar providers we identified in ME.
- ReVision Energy: Outstanding Social Impact
- Maine Solar Solutions: Outstanding Local Installer
- SunPower: Best National Provider
- Summit Energy: Outstanding Regional Installer
- Invaleon Solar: Outstanding Regional Installer
In the following sections, we’ll explain why we believe these are the best solar providers to choose in ME. You can access the drop-down menus for more information about each of these providers.
ReVision Energy
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Comprehensive service offerings
- Certified B Corp
- Many years of experience
Cons
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
- No leases or PPAs
ReVision is a local employee-owned PV company that has its priorities in order. It’s a certified B Corporation (B Corp), which means it’s dedicated to producing a public benefit for the environment.
This is a huge win in our eyes because it means ReVision is not just looking to make a profit but is dedicated to expanding clean energy solutions for our planet. For example, a company of about the same size as ReVision (50-250 employees) that’s not B Corp certified has an average B Impact Score of 50.9, while Revision’s score is 125.9.1
This company also gets the big picture of clean energy, as it installs solar but also focuses on energy efficiency overall with services like providing solar heat pumps and electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
ReVision has around 20 years of experience in the solar industry, so you can rest assured that it will continue providing outstanding customer service and warranty coverage for its products for years to come.
The most significant downside of working with this company is the warranty length. The equipment warranty lasts for the standard 25 years, but the labor warranty is just five years. Still, we think it provides great value for the money.
Facts and Figures: ReVision Energy
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4.5 |
A+ |
$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Community Solar, Solar Heat Pumps |
Maine Solar Solutions
Local Service
Average cost
Pros
- Comprehensive service offerings
- Outstanding customer service
- Locally owned and operated
Cons
- No leases or PPAs
Maine Solar Solutions is a small local company with two offices (in Freeport and Durham). It’s been in business since 2012 so has around a decade of experience providing outstanding customer service and affordable, high-quality solar arrays.
Maine Solar Solutions has localized expertise that you won’t find from most regional and national companies. Its technicians and salespeople are knowledgeable about solar specifically in ME, so they are able and willing to help you take advantage of the state benefit programs. This should bring your system cost down and push your long-term savings higher.
Additionally, this company understands the needs of ME residents. It has years of experience sizing solar power systems for ME homes, keeping in mind that the above-average snowfall in the area can decimate solar production. Its techs also know firsthand how important it is to offset the state’s way-above-average energy costs.2
This company doesn’t accept leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs), so it can be a bit less accessible than other providers. However, we typically don’t recommend those options anyway.
Facts and Figures: Maine Solar Solutions
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4.5 |
A+ |
$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Community Solar, Solar Heat Pumps |
SunPower
Pros
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
Cons
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
SunPower is one of the best solar providers in ME primarily because it provides the most efficient panels in the industry.
The Pine Tree State is located far north, so the intensity of the sun for much of the year is lower than in other states. Combined with double the national average snowfall that covers panels for long stretches, ensuring you get highly efficient panels installed is an absolute necessity.2
SunPower also provides one of the best solar warranties in the industry, covering equipment, workmanship and panel efficiency for an incredible 25 years. The efficiency warranty is especially crucial because of the snow and low sunlight intensity, but also because of the below-average number of sunny days in the area.3
SunPower does come at a higher price than most competitors. However, we still believe it’s one of the best installers in ME and well worth the money, especially since the efficiency can help combat local poor sun conditions.
Facts and Figures: SunPower
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Year Founded |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
Warranty Coverage |
5 |
A+ |
1985 |
$$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, System Monitoring |
SunPower Panels |
25-year all-inclusive warranty |
Summit Energy
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Great warranty coverage
- NABCEP-certified technicians
- Many financing options
Cons
- Relatively young company
Summit Energy was founded in 2016, although its team has experience in solar dating back to the late 1970s. Not only do its principals have decades of experience, but many of them are also certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Having NABCEP-certified techs means your installation will be smooth and professional every time.
Summit Energy is also a great option in ME, where coupling solar with energy efficiency is wise. ME residents experience extreme cold in the winter. With electricity rates over 50% higher than the national average, the services provided by Summit to improve energy efficiency are invaluable.
Summit also provides great customer service and peace of mind for solar customers in ME. Its SolarInsure Warranty lasts for 30 years and covers all equipment failures. This is offered in addition to the manufacturer’s warranty.
Summit Energy doesn’t have nearly as much experience as most other providers in the area. However, the leadership team does have decades in the industry, so we feel comfortable recommending this provider.
Facts and Figures: Summit Energy
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4.5 |
A+ |
$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Energy-Efficiency Upgrades, Community Solar |
Invaleon Solar
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Great warranty coverage
- Many years of experience
- Representatives are experts on local policies
Cons
- Slightly limited service offerings
- Limited information available on website
Invaleon entered New England’s booming solar market in 2011 and has been standing strong since. One of Invaleon’s unique qualities is that it’s founded by engineers and tradesmen and holds master electrician and home improvement contractor (HIC) certifications, supporting its guarantee of a high-quality solar installation.
We believe that the education and workmanship behind this company’s installation team will help ensure that you get a solar electric system that will offset your energy bills. This is crucial in ME, given how high above the national average the state’s electricity cost is.
Headquartered in Haverhill, MA, Invaleon is a regional solar installation company serving all of Massachusetts, Maine and New Hampshire. The company offers a selection of the best solar panels and services and strong warranties, including a 25-year workmanship warranty and a 25-year power production guarantee.
Importantly, this company also matches SunPower in terms of warranty coverage. Your equipment, the labor to install it and, most importantly, the efficiency will all be covered for 25 years.
Wait times for equipment have reportedly been a bit longer than average, so keep that in mind before hiring this installer. Additionally, it doesn’t accept the solar leases and PPAs that provide maximum accessibility.
Facts and Figures: Invaleon Solar
EcoWatch Rating |
---|
Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
Solar Services |
4 |
A+ |
$$$ |
Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers |
How to Save Money When Hiring a Solar Company in Maine
The average cost of a solar array in ME is around $16,980 before the federal tax break or $11,886 after the credit. This assumes the average local cost per watt of $2.83 — which is well above the U.S. average of $2.66 — and the typical solar electric system size requirement in the area of 6 kilowatts (kW).
Although ME property owners spend less on photovoltaic (PV) equipment overall than residents in other states, the cost is still quite high, and most solar customers will look for ways to save money. Below, we’ll list some of these and go into further detail in the following sections.
- Take advantage of solar incentives and tax incentives
- Choose high-efficiency equipment
- Don’t undersize your system
- Avoid solar batteries
Take Full Advantage of Solar Tax Credits and Other Perks
Maine is far from the best state for installing solar, primarily because the state only has a handful of benefit programs available to solar customers. However, that’s all the more reason to take advantage of the incentives that are available to you in ME.
We’ll include a quick breakdown of the incentive programs available in The Pine Tree State below.
Incentive | Description |
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) | This is a federal tax credit for 30% of your entire system value. That amount — an average of over $5,000 in ME — gets credited to your income tax liability for the year your system is commissioned. You can roll over the credit for five years to take full advantage. |
Net Metering | This is an outstanding policy that gives you credit for generating more electricity than you use with your panels. That excess energy gets “banked” with your utility company, and you can use it to offset future bills when production is outpaced by consumption. Ultimately, net energy metering (NEM) bumps up your long-term savings and helps speed up the panel payback period. |
Renewable Energy Investment Exemption | This is a property tax exemption that keeps the value added by your panels — around 4.1% of your home value — from bumping up your property taxes.4 Over the life of your system, this can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. |
Choose High-Efficiency Equipment
One of the most common reasons ME residents convert to solar energy is the high cost of energy in New England. ME property owners pay an average of over 17 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh), which is well above the national average.5 With energy rates still on the rise, solar is becoming more and more valuable.
However, ME residents face some issues that make PV panels less efficient. First off, the northern location means a lower sun intensity, which leads to less solar production. Second, the above-average snowfall can cover panels for long stretches, rendering them useless.
Finally, the tree coverage in ME is greater than in any other state, which means shading is a concern for most residents.6
Your best option for ensuring you save the most on your utility bills is to choose a solar panel brand with a high efficiency rating. An option like Maxeon panels from SunPower is great and will let you take advantage of the available sunlight and offset electricity charges more than most other brands.
Size Your System Appropriately
ME residents pay an average of $2.83 per watt for their solar equipment, which is above the national average of $2.66 and the eighth highest in the nation. It might be tempting to install a smaller system to keep up-front costs down, but we’d advise against that.
The goal of your solar energy system should be to offset utility bills, so you’ll want to make sure your system is sized properly to do that. The best way to determine what size your solar array should be is to have a reputable installer design a system for you.
The provider should consider tree coverage, your monthly energy needs, your home’s energy efficiency and more to balance up-front costs with long-term savings potential.
Avoid Solar Batteries
ME is a popular state for solar customers to couple their panels with solar batteries. The state is ranked 11th in the nation for the frequency of power outages, with some sources noting that most residents will experience around four blackouts every year.7
While installing solar batteries can help you maintain power through outages and provide peace of mind that you’ll always have electricity, they also add a lot of money to your system cost. Batteries can pay for themselves in states where net metering isn’t available, but Mainers won’t see a return on their batteries since net metering is offered at the full retail rate.
Unless you can’t afford to lose power during Maine’s sometimes intense weather, we recommend going with solar panels only and skipping the batteries.
Will Solar Increase Your Home Value in Maine?
Yes, installing solar panels will increase your home value in Maine by an average of 4.1%.8 With a typical property value of around $370,000, the average $12,000 system will add nearly $15,000 to your home value. This is an outstanding return on investment.
Additionally, property values in ME have increased by around 12% over the past year, and they’re expected to continue to go up in the future. Installing solar in The Pine Tree State is considered a solid financial investment, not only because it offsets your energy bills but also because it makes your home more valuable and desirable.
As is the case with most states, the larger cities in ME have seen a larger number of solar conversions than most other areas. Additionally, solar is more valuable in these areas because the property values tend to be higher. Below are the top cities where solar has had the most significant impact on home values and has been most popular.
- Portland
- South Portland
- Biddeford
- Augusta
- Rockland
- Lewiston
Should Maine Residents Hire a Professional Solar Installer or DIY?
If you’ve done any research on DIY solar panels, you’ve probably noticed that the average system cost if you install it yourself is significantly lower than the $12,000 average for a professional installation.
While it’s true that DIY installation is almost always cheaper, it’s not always worthwhile to attempt to install solar yourself. In Maine, specifically, there are a few reasons why you might want to opt to hire a professional. We’ll list these below and then explain them in greater detail in the following sections.
- High risk of roof leaks
- Panel efficiency is lower for DIY options
- You won’t get the same warranty coverage
- Permitting can be time consuming
DIY Panels Increase the Risk of Roof Leaks
One of the most common problems solar customers experience with PV panels is leaking from the roof penetrations. Homes in ME are at an elevated risk of leaking because of the above-average amount of rainfall.9 ME is also the second snowiest state in the nation, and snow sitting on your roof can promote leaking as well.10
Professional installers go to great lengths to prevent leaking, but despite their years of experience, it can still occur. DIY installation might be cheaper, but without the same experience, you’re at an even higher risk of roof leaks. You very well might spend more money fixing leaks or carrying out repairs if an improper installation leads to water damage.
DIY Panels Have a Lower Efficiency
As we mentioned above, a high panel efficiency rating is necessary in ME to take advantage of the sun and overcome deficits caused by the weather and tree coverage. The low sun intensity, below-average sunny days per year and abundant tree coverage can all contribute to lower levels of production, so high-efficiency panels are recommended.
Most DIY panels — including those from Renogy and Grape Solar — have lower efficiency ratings than professionally-installed panels like SunPower and Tesla. While the initial installation for a DIY solar project will almost always be lower, you may save less in energy with lower-efficiency DIY panels over time, making your initial savings moot.
Warranty Coverage on DIY Panels is Inferior
Solar in ME will usually cost you between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on whether you install panels yourself or hire a professional to do it. Either way, the cost is high, and you’ll want solar warranties to protect your investment.
A significant issue with installing your own panels is that DIY options usually come with minimal warranty coverage. Most have equipment and efficiency warranties that last between five and ten years, and none come with workmanship warranties.
When you choose a professional installer, you’ll more often get equipment and efficiency warranties that last around 25 years. Plus, you’re more likely to get workmanship warranties that cover issues with the installation. This is especially important in ME, where excessive snowfall and rain can quickly expose mistakes made during the installation process.
Permitting Can Be Time-Consuming
Finally, all municipalities in ME require permits to be filed for rooftop solar installations. The process requires that a certified electrician sign off on your system before the panels are considered legal. You’ll also need your electrician to connect you to the grid, unless you’re installing an off-grid solar panel system.
This is an expense that many DIYers fail to consider, and it can sometimes push your cost close to the average for a professional installation (after rebates and tax breaks). As such, you may not save as much as you think you will by completing a DIY installation.
What Should Mainers Look For in a Solar Installer?
There are a few things you should look for when choosing a solar installer in ME. To ensure you have the best experience possible and enjoy the most long-term savings, you’ll want to consider these factors:
- Panel brands offered
- Efficiency warranties provided
- Overall cost
- Years of local experience the company has
We’ll explain why each of these is important in ME below.
The Brands of Panels Offered
Every installer carries a set selection of panel brands, and the brands differ in several ways. One of the most crucial differences between panel brands is the efficiency rating. ME residents need to prioritize efficiency because several factors can cause production to dip, including:
- Shading from the high percentage of tree coverage
- Heavy snow coverage blocking sunlight during the winter months
- Above-average number of cloudy days in the state
- Low intensity of sunlight, particularly in the winter months
Ideally, you should choose an installer that carries high-efficiency panel brands like Maxeon to maximize your long-term energy savings.
The Efficiency Warranty Included With Your Panels
For similar reasons, you should look for a solar installer that offers a lengthy efficiency warranty. This type of warranty guarantees minimal degradation of your panel efficiency, which means greater levels of production over time. This is especially important, as electricity rates are high in ME and are only expected to rise in the future.
The Cost of the System
Solar systems in ME average around $16,000 before rebates and tax credits, which is prohibitively expensive for some. Even if you can afford to pay this price in cash, choosing a relatively affordable company is usually wise to help keep costs down.
It’s important to consider the quality of the equipment, warranties and labor when comparing prices, though. It might very well be worth it to pay a bit more for your system if you’re getting top-of-the-line panels, good customer service and lengthy, robust warranties.
The Years of Experience Installing Solar in ME
It’s usually better to choose a company with a longer history and more experience. This is especially important in ME because the recent surge in solar popularity has led to numerous fly-by-night solar panel companies popping up to take advantage of the demand.
Opting for an experienced company will usually mean better service and lower risk of your warranties being voided. It’s also a good idea to consider localized experience. Companies that have worked in ME for years should understand your specific needs — like high-efficiency panels, good warranty coverage and more.
Methodology: How We Ranked Solar Companies In Maine
Maine is home to around 25 solar installation companies, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA). With so many options available to you, it’s important that you choose a company that provides quality service, high-quality products and an overall positive experience for you.
Below, we’ll explain how we assess solar providers in ME and why we believe these are the most important criteria for Maine homeowners. Here’s a snapshot of our scoring:
- Solar Equipment Brands (20%)
- Add-On Equipment Offered (20%)
- Solar Warranty Coverage (15%)
- Solar Financing Options (15%)
- Qualifications and Certifications (10%)
- Commitment to Environmental Friendliness (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Solar Brands Offered
Mainers see around 192 sunny days per year, on average, which is below the national average. The state also sees well-above average amounts of snowfall, and snow coverage can diminish production as well.
The lower amount of sunlight in the area demands higher-efficiency panels to generate sufficient energy to offset energy bills. We prioritize companies that offer high-quality brands like Maxeon, Panasonic, LG, Tesla, Q Cells, REC and more.
Solar Equipment Provided
In addition to the brands of panels, we rank companies higher if they offer the types of equipment that ME residents benefit from most. Since the state is at a high risk of power outages — and dangerous ones at that, given the long, cold winters — many solar customers opt to couple their panels with solar batteries for energy storage.
Companies that offer batteries get ranked a bit higher in our ratings because they will naturally appeal more to Maine residents.
Warranty Coverage
Next, we prioritize the warranty coverage provided with solar energy systems. Maine isn’t prone to much in the way of extreme weather that can put panels at risk, although thunderstorms and the after-effects of tropical cyclones occur annually. However, above-average rainfall and snowfall can put panels and roofs at elevated risk of damage.
Especially given the fact that solar energy systems average around $16,980 before incentives, warranty coverage is crucial for protecting what is likely to be a sizable investment in clean energy. We rank companies higher when they provide robust physical protection and efficiency warranties, which we believe are most important to Mainers.
Experience in Maine
The solar industry is only now starting to take off in Maine, despite the state being considered relatively eco-friendly. With a budding solar industry, Maine homeowners are bound to see companies popping up that have minimal experience. These installers are more likely to make mistakes, cause delays with permitting and go out of business and void your warranties.
For these reasons, we prioritize companies that have at least five years of experience in the solar industry as a whole. More importantly, we rank those that have years of experience working specifically with Maine’s demands and solar laws higher.
Solar Financing Options
The cost of solar equipment in Maine — around $2.83 per watt — is higher than the national average — around $2.66 per watt. Although all-in system costs are lower because of smaller system size requirements, the average total for a solar energy system of around $16,980 is still prohibitively expensive for many Maine residents.
For that reason, we prioritize companies that provide solid financing options for solar PV systems. Top companies like SunPower not only offer solar loans but also provide low interest rates and require little or no money down to keep clean energy as accessible as possible.
Availability
Next, we consider the service area of each company in Maine. The Pine Tree State is relatively rural, so many companies in the area only service major cities and surrounding towns. Since these installers will naturally appeal less to customers overall, we rank companies higher if they have a wider service area and greater availability.
Environmental Impact
Finally, since we’re a website focused on eco-friendliness, we consider the environmental impact that each company has. Installers that keep solar affordable and accessible with loan programs and low down payment are naturally helping to push the solar industry forward.
We also look for affiliations with pro-solar organizations and associations. We specifically look for NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) certification, B-Corp certification and more local affiliations like the Maine Renewable Energy Association (MREA). These also help establish a company’s longevity in the industry.
Read More About Going Solar in Maine
FAQ: Best Solar Companies in Maine
We get a lot of questions about the prospect of going solar in ME. Below, we’ll answer some of the questions we see most often from homeowners in your area.
Based on our data, ReVision is the best overall solar installer in Maine, but SunPower may claim the title of most reputable based on its industry experience and nationwide service. That said, each of the five solar installers on our top providers list has passed EcoWatch’s rigorous standards test, and we’re confident that these are the best, most reputable solar providers in Maine.
The brand of solar panel you install is always important in ME, as the efficiency rating can play a role in how much energy you offset and how much you save on electric bills.
However, in most cases, solar panel selection does not matter very much when it comes to choosing a solar installer in Maine. This is primarily because most of the solar providers we’ve listed above have a lot of overlap, offering brands like LG, Panasonic, REC and Qcells. If you’re looking for a specific brand, like Tesla, you’d be deciding between ReVision and Maine Solar Solutions, which both offer Tesla solar panels.
On the other hand, if you have a small roof and want to prioritize highly efficient solar panels, you may be apt to choose SunPower panels.
Bigger national providers are not always the best option in Maine. While larger companies can offer better technology, speed of service, and warranties, they’re lacking when it comes to intimate knowledge of local weather and policy and sometimes minimizing cost. In fact, a recent report by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory found that large solar installers are $2,000 to $5,000 more expensive than small solar providers.11
It’s hard to know which solar provider will be the most affordable in Maine because solar panel installation costs vary based on factors specific to your household. EcoWatch recommends getting a few free quotes from solar providers to compare and contrast total costs.
You should also compare the solar financing options we’ve cited for each company on our list to your own needs. For example, would it be better for you to pay for your solar installation in full or take out a loan? Would solar leasing be a good option? You’ll want to find the company that offers the best financing options for your needs.
Lastly, don’t forget to ask each installer what solar perks may be available to you. Any homeowner who installs solar panels in Maine is eligible for a federal tax credit, also called the solar investment tax credit (ITC). However, there may be other solar benefits for Maine residents.
While photovoltaic (PV) solar panels work best when they’re soaking up direct sunlight, they still work when in the presence of indirect sunlight on cloudy days. Additionally, some homeowners may think solar panels won’t work in the winter, but that’s not the case — electricity actually flows faster in colder temperatures, so your panels may work even better in the winter months.
Related articles
Top Installers For Maine
Comparing authorized solar partners
-
- Comprehensive service offerings
- Certified B Corp
- Many years of experience
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
- No leases or PPAs
A+Outstanding Social Impact
Having trouble deciding? Click below and use our process to receive multiple quotes instead: