Best 10 Solar Companies in Maine, IL

Maine homeowners are fortunate to live in plentiful sunlight, both to appreciate and use for energy. Many are working with top solar installers to get panels on their roofs. Local homeowners might choose solar to break free of high power costs from sources like nuclear. A professional solar company can help you set up and tune a system that fits your energy needs without costing a fortune. In this article, we'll highlight Maine's best solar companies and offer suggestions for your company choice, so you can find the perfect one for your household.

Ranking Methodology

Our team has researched dozens of solar providers near Maine, with emphasis on the following criteria:

• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most Maine solar companies have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's trustworthiness and responsiveness to issues.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar installers should stand behind their equipment and services with warranties. We evaluated how each installer responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be excellent teachers. They should tap into their years of experience address your questions on how to care for your system and optimize its performance.
• Professional licensure and experience: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and keeps current with industry best practices. Many of them have served the Maine community for over 15 years.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Better energy independence: Adding a battery storage system lets you have dependable energy during storms and grid outages.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Maine Homeowners?

Illinois homeowners who decide on solar could qualify for tax credits, reimbursements, rebates and special financing. Here are just a few of the local incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Maine

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar array. Make your choice based on the following essential elements.

Licensing and Training

In Illinois, the state Commerce Commission regulates distributed generation energy contractors, including solar contractors. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Maine

Your photovoltaic panels' style will affect how much energy 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.

If you need to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more effective and convenient to use. Not every solar contractor offers these additional features, so look for a company that installs them if it's a priority for you.

Generally speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Maine. This table shows more specific prices for different solar panel types and system components in your area.

Financing Solar Energy in Maine

There are many ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include cash payments, power purchase agreements (PPAs), loans, and leases. Most solar experts recommend a cash payment or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, similar to an electric bill. We generally don’t recommend these two options because you won't own the system and cannot use solar incentives. We advise working with a company that offers multiple financing options. Speak with each consultant about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.

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

You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, local governments and utilities may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.

Sources

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