Best 5 Solar Companies in Lewiston, ME

With Lewiston's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a great area for homeowners and businesses seeking to harness the additional sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. Local homeowners might consider solar to break free of high power costs from sources like hydro. A professional team can help you set up and optimize a system that meets your energy needs without being too expensive. On this page, we'll show you Lewiston's leading solar installers and share valuable advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

Our team focuses on the following criteria to determine the best Lewiston solar companies.

• Panel brands and quality: The premier solar companies stay up-to-date with new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Lewiston solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio reflects a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should utilize their years of experience address your questions on how to maintain your system and improve its performance.
• Certifications and licenses: Each contractor on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Lewiston community for more than a decade.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple advantages. Here are some highlights.

• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies. You can use your solar energy anytime with an optional battery storage system.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power lowers your dependence on fossil fuels, which release greenhouse gases that damage the environment.
• Lowered energy bills: Solar panels let you generate your own energy to power your home, reducing your periodic electricity costs. Going off-grid can eliminate your bills completely. Plus, a significant amount of states offer net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Lewiston Homeowners?

Governments and power companies often incentivize homeowners for embracing solar. Here are some of the rebates, tax credits or other programs you could qualify for.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Lewiston

The purchase price and effectiveness of solar panels often depend on which company installed them. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

Licensing and Training

The Maine Electricians' Examining Board certifies professionals installing solar photovoltaic systems in the state. There are no special solar licenses; an electricians' license is all that is necessary. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private accreditations. Two of the most respected are the PV Installation Professional and Solar Heating Installer certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.

Cost of Solar Panels in Lewiston

Your photovoltaic panels' model will impact how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and cost the most but perform the best. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can maximize your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar companies include these additional features, so look for a provider that sells them if it's a priority for you.

A majority of Lewiston homeowners choose solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $19,000 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can see more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Lewiston

There are numerous ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will lower your costs. A few of the most common options include cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, and loans. We suggest making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each provider you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A representative can help you determine the best option for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Lewiston.

The IRS allows you to claim a 26% federal tax credit for solar panels on your new solar panels, so long as you purchase it before 2032. Municipal authorities and utilities might also offer their own rebates, financing programs, and incentives that could save you more money.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy