While solar energy initiatives are growing nationwide, adoption in northern areas like Maine faces additional challenges due to climate and geography. On the other hand, some localities and associations in Maine have instituted viable solar projects that should be studied. Analyzing these case studies, you can see how to use solar for the sake of communities, businesses, and households even in Maine.
If you think about how to pick a solar company in Maine, several key factors should be considered to ensure a successful project.
Find a company that has installed solar panels in Maine for at least 5-10 years. This will help them know the various solar incentives, permitting processes, and climate challenges of the state. Seek references from past clients with installations like yours.
Evaluating solar power companies on these factors enables you to identify a credible solar partner to assist in optimizing your investment in renewable energy. A well-established reputable firm will assure you of quality solar power and service for a long period.
Key Factors To Consider When Selecting A Solar Installer
When choosing the best solar companies in Maine to design and install your residential or commercial solar system, there are several factors to consider:
Experience and expertise
An installer who is an expert should carry out a proper appraisal of your needs, pick the right sized system, and carry out a good installation. Inquire about the length of existence of the company, its qualifications, training, and competence in dealing with your specific property.
Strong customer reviews and references
In this regard, it is important to obtain references from the latest clients who had installations similar to the ones in question. Call or e-mail them and ask whether they were satisfied with the professionalism, work quality, responsiveness, and reliability of the company’s approach.
Also, ensure that you check independent reviews on sites like the Better Business Bureau, Yelp, and Google Reviews.
Competitive and transparent pricing
Have installer’s quotes for the same system specifications from several installers and you will compare. Make sure to receive an itemized quote for all costs, including the panels, inverter(s), racking, wiring, permits, taxes, and labor. Watch out for hidden fees. The honest installer offers good pricing with no unexpectedness.
Premium products
Efficient panels, microinverters, or storage-ready inverters and robust mounting would maximize the energy production of the system and make it a long life. Inquire about particular items featured in your quote.
Strong warranties and service
Check on the warranties that cover at least 25 years on panels and inverters, and 10 – 20 years on installation labor. Support and service are paramount. Assessing installers by those parameters would ensure that you have a solar partner who would make your green dreams come true. With a solar program, you’ll be using the sun and saving money for the next few decades.
Notable Solar Installations In Maine
Some of the significant installations of solar energy in Maine show that solar is applicable in both residential and commercial. Looking at examples of successful solar projects in your state will provide valuable information to assist you in deciding whether solar is suitable for you.
The Thomas School in East Waterboro
A 75 KW solar array with the corresponding 300 panels offset all the electric requirements of this K-5 elementary school. Through a PPA, the power generation company provided the funding for this project, enabling the school district to move towards solar without any upfront costs. The school bought a system that provides clean energy, including all installations and maintenance for 20 years, at a fixed price per year from a PPA provider.
Residential solar in Freeport
Freeport became the first town in Maine and reached 100 residential solar installations by 2016. Homeowners have become keen on rooftop solar power systems that are 3 KW to 10kW, because of strong community interest in sustainability and solar incentives like net metering and rebates. Residents became a big enough number for them to bargain for volume discounts among installers.
The above examples showcase how solar assists educational institutions, fosters new offshore technologies, and empowers property owners. If properly stimulated, and supported by the community, solar energy can serve as a reliable renewable energy source in Maine in many property and application types. Following in the footsteps of already successful projects, you can also go solar and reap energy cost savings, environmental benefits, and an energy independence feeling.
Financial Incentives For Solar In Maine
The state of Maine offers several financial incentives and solar energy policies to help you reduce your initial expenses for installing a residential solar system.
Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
A tax credit of 26% is provided by the federal government towards the costs incurred when installing a residential solar panel. The tax credit is allowed in the year of the installation of facilities eligible for the credit for your federal income tax return. ITC was recently extended to remain at 26% during the installation period of 2020-2022 and its gradual drop in succession.
Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs)
Maine’s SREC program allows you to sell certificates for the generation of energy based on your system. One SREC equals 1 MWh of the energy produced. The cost of SRECs varies but can add up to tens of thousands of dollars per system over its lifetime. SRECs can be sold to electricity providers who must adhere to the renewable portfolio standard defined by the state.
Property Tax Exemption
Maine provides an exemption of twenty years for the added value of a property residential solar system from property tax. For instance, homeowners could significantly reduce their annual property taxes by this amount. The exemption applies to grid-tied and net-metered (photovoltaic) solar systems.
Low-Interest Loans
The Maine PACE program and the Maine Credit Union Energy Loan Program provide low-interest loans for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects in Maine. Terms are typically 5-20 years. Such loans are also used to acquire and install a residential solar system.
Utilization of these financial incentives can shorten the payback period for a home solar system in Maine and speed up the transition towards ecological solar power in the state. With the financial incentives and the long-term energy cost savings to reap, anyone who is keen on going green and gaining more control over energy costs should consider going solar.
To Sum Up, as a resident of Maine interested in solar energy, you now have insights into initiatives making a real impact across the state. Solar adoptions are being pushed by a range of non-profit organizations while municipal programs make it possible for more people to go solar. Despite these, local groups are facilitating real changes through grassroots education and bringing solar down to earth. These illustrations demonstrate the environmental benefits of solar energy, passionate people and organizations can be quite influential in the uptake of solar even in a state with a shorter solar season. Volunteering your time, providing financial support for these initiatives, and even going solar at home or office should form a part of the solution you can contribute toward it.
