As a local solar company with 12 years of experience in Maine, our staff has heard just about every question and misconception about solar energy in our state. Today, we’re setting the record straight on some of the most common myths we encounter. Let’s separate fact from fiction when it comes to solar power in Maine.
Myth 1: Maine doesn’t get enough sunlight for solar to be effective.
Fact: While it’s true that Maine isn’t as sunny as Arizona, we still receive ample sunlight to make solar a viable and cost-effective energy solution. In fact, Maine receives about 33% more sunlight annually than Germany, a world leader in solar energy production. Modern solar panels are highly efficient and can generate significant power even on cloudy days or through filtered light. In fact, most of our customers’ arrays are designed to meet or slightly exceed 100% of the energy consumption over the course of each year!
Myth 2: Solar panels won’t work in the winter or Maine’s cold climate.
Fact: Solar panels actually perform better in colder temperatures! While extreme heat can reduce solar panel efficiency, the cold temperatures we experience in Maine can increase their performance. As long as the panels aren’t covered by snow for weeks at a time or more, they’ll continue to generate electricity throughout the winter months. In fact, solar panels behave similarly to a metal roof, and snow usually slides right off their slick surface in a matter of hours.
Myth 3: Solar arrays don’t last long in Maine’s climate.
Fact: Solar arrays are one of the longest-lasting systems you can install in your home! Panel manufacturers typically warranty their panels and individual panel energy output for at least 25 years, and Maine Solar Solutions offers Maine’s only 30-year parts and labor warranty. This means you can rest easy knowing your system will produce energy for your home for decades to come.
Myth 4: Installing solar is too expensive for the average Maine homeowner.
Fact: While there is an upfront cost, solar has become increasingly affordable over the years. Many financing options are available, and the long-term savings on electricity bills almost always outweigh the initial investment. Our customers who purchase their system typically see a strong return on investment (ROI) and recoup their solar system investment within 7-12 years of installation. After the system has paid for itself, it continues to generate value by providing free electricity. That is a lot of free power, considering all Maine Solar Solutions projects carry a 30-year warranty!
Additionally, there is a 30% federal tax credit on most residential and commercial solar projects that can significantly reduce the cost of going solar in Maine.
Myth 5: Solar panels will damage my roof.
Fact: When installed correctly by experienced professionals, solar panels can actually protect your roof from the elements. In over twelve years in business, Maine Solar Solutions has never caused a roof permeation while installing an array. Solar panels and the rails they attach to are designed to be durable and withstand Maine’s weather conditions, including heavy snow loads. In fact, many homeowners find that the area under their solar panels is the best-preserved part of their roof over time.
Myth 6: Solar arrays don’t work if there is a power outage.
Fact: If you choose to install an array without a battery, your solar system will behave just like a typical home electric system when there is a power outage on your street, and your power will be restored at the same time as your neighbors’ power. If you opt to add a battery backup to your system, either during the initial installation or at a later date, your system will operate similarly to if you had a generator. If your property already has a generator, we ensure the two power sources are separated, designing a manual or automatic solar system shut-off based on your generator type. Learn more about solar batteries and whether battery backup might make sense for you.
Myth 7: Solar only works for off-grid properties.
Fact: While solar can indeed power off-grid homes, the vast majority of solar installations in Maine are grid-tied systems. Grid-tied systems allow you to draw power from the grid when needed (at night, for example) and send excess power back to the grid during peak production times, potentially earning you energy credits on your electricity bill through net metering. However, just like a typical electrical service, you will lose power without a battery if the grid goes down.
With an off-grid system, there is no connection to the electric company’s power, and the electricity you generate must be stored in batteries. This makes off-grid systems more self-sufficient, but it means owners need to be more mindful when using power stored in their batteries.
The good news? Maine Solar Solutions installs both grid-tied and off-grid systems. Learn more about grid-tied vs. off-grid systems to assess which may better suit your property and lifestyle.
Myth 8: Solar only makes sense if your roof faces exactly south and is fully unshaded.
Fact: South-facing is best, but solar panels installed facing southeast or southwest can generate a very high percentage (>90%) of energy compared to a south-facing solar array. Partial shading as the sun moves throughout the day is fairly common and easy to account for in array design. Our solar experts will take measurements of your exact roof and shading to determine the best placement for panels and recommend whether any tree trimming or removal is necessary to get the most from your system.
Myth 9: Panels must be placed on your home’s roof, so homes with older roofs are a bad fit for a solar array.
Fact: While the roof is the most common choice, solar arrays can be placed on garages, sheds, barns, and outbuildings. Ground-mounted arrays are another possibility if sunlight conditions or personal preference lead you to consider non-rooftop options. If you prefer to place your array on your roof and your roof is older, we recommend replacing your roof before installing solar panels. We will discuss options with you during your assessment.
Myth 10: Solar panels require a lot of maintenance.
Fact: Solar panels are remarkably low maintenance. In most cases, you don’t even have to worry about cleaning your panels. They have no moving parts and are designed to last for decades. Similar to a metal roof, snow typically slides off of panels after a few hours, and occasional rain generally keeps the panels clean.
Our grid-tied installations also include system monitoring, so you can watch the entire array and each panel’s output information on your desktop or on your phone. Your monitoring provides real-time performance information, historical energy production, error logging, and notification of system status. We recommend regularly monitoring your panel performance via the provided monitoring app to ensure optimal performance, but day-to-day maintenance is non-existent.
Myth 11: Solar systems can’t adapt to changing electrical needs. Once installed, the number of panels is fixed, limiting the system to its original electricity output.
Fact: Individual energy usage can change dramatically over the years. Adding electric vehicles, hot tubs, or heat pumps can increase your electrical usage, as can welcoming in-laws, on-site renters, or adult children into the home. Maine Solar Solutions designs all systems with the possibility of future panel and battery additions in mind.
Myth 12: Adding a solar array will not impact my home’s resale value.
Fact: Studies have shown that homes with solar installations often sell faster and for higher prices than comparable homes without solar. A comprehensive 2015 study found that homebuyers were willing to pay a premium of $15,000 more for a home with an existing solar array. As energy costs continue to rise, many homebuyers see solar as a valuable asset that will save them money in the long run.
Myth 13: You can get solar for free in Maine.
Fact: This is simply not true. While some ads may suggest “free solar panels,” they often mislead homeowners into thinking no costs are involved. Unfortunately, some companies use this pitch to draw you into contracts that could lead to unexpected expenses and lower-than-expected savings. The reality is that while the 30% federal tax credit can reduce costs, no program covers the entire installation for free. Always do your research, ask the right questions, and fully understand the true costs and benefits of going solar before signing any contracts—especially when someone suggests it’s “free.”
Fact: Solar Makes Sense in Maine
As Maine continues to embrace renewable energy, solar power is becoming an increasingly attractive option for homeowners across the state. By dispelling these common myths, we hope to show that solar is a viable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly energy solution for Mainers. With thousands of installations in Maine, we’ve seen firsthand how solar can benefit Maine home and business owners.
