Best 5 Solar Companies in Portland, ME

With Portland's clear skies and little rainfall, it's a perfect area for families and businesses hoping to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar companies. Local homeowners might go for solar to break free of high power costs from sources like hydro. An experienced solar installer can help you set up and tune a system that matches your energy needs without costing a fortune. In this guide, we'll showcase Portland's best solar providers and offer tips for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your home.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has researched dozens of solar contractors near Portland, concentrating on the following criteria:

• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Portland solar contractors have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to look after your system and optimize its performance.
• Warranty and service offerings: Solar providers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each provider responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Certifications and credentials: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Portland community for over 15 years.
• Panel brands and quality: The best solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy offers multiple advantages. Let's look at a few of them.

• Reduced carbon footprint: Using solar is a surefire way to reduce your carbon footprint and home fossil fuel dependency.
• Lower energy bills: Sourcing some or all of your own power will spend less on electricity long-term. Plus, some states offer net metering programs that make it possible for you to sell your extra energy back to the grid, generating extra credits toward your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have dependable energy during storms and grid outages.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Portland Homeowners?

The state of Maine offers a variety of solar incentives to help minimize your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Portland

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and cost-efficient solar system. Here are some crucial criteria to consider while searching for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

The Maine Electricians' Examining Board licenses professionals installing solar photovoltaic systems in the state. There aren't any special solar licenses; an electricians' license is all that is necessary. Solar companies can also pursue certificates from standards organizations and trade groups. The top ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Portland

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels offer the best energy production but cost more than other options and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

You can also add battery backups and electric vehicle (EV) chargers. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's performance. Not all solar providers provide these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's a priority for you.

You can plan to spend about $19,000 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Portland. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Portland solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Portland

Choosing the optimal financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include loans, power purchase agreements, leases, and cash payments. We advise making a cash payment or securing a solar loan for the highest 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 own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce 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 involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate determined by the energy you use, as with an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. Ask each company you're vetting about the payment options it offers. A consultant can help you determine the optimal option for your budget.

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

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to new residential solar equipment purchased through 2032. Further incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

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