“Solar doesn’t work in Maine.”
“Panels won’t produce in the winter.”
“Going solar is too expensive.”
If you’ve heard these before, you’re not alone — solar myths in Maine are everywhere. The truth? Solar is thriving in Maine, and the facts may surprise you. From cold-weather performance to long-term savings, misinformation keeps many homeowners from exploring a solution that can actually lower bills and bring peace of mind.
At Maine Solar Solutions, we’ve spent more than 13 years helping Mainers separate fact from fiction. Here’s the truth behind the most common solar myths in Maine — and what it really means for your home.
Common Solar Myths in Maine
Myth 1: Maine doesn’t get enough sunlight for solar
Fact: Maine may not be Arizona, but it gets plenty of sun for solar to thrive. In fact, Maine receives about 33% more sunlight than Germany — a global leader in solar energy. Modern panels are built to capture light even on cloudy or filtered days, and most of our customers’ systems are designed to meet — or even slightly exceed — 100% of their yearly electricity needs each year.
Myth 2: Solar Panels Don’t Work in Maine Winters
Fact: Solar panels actually perform better in cold weather. Because extreme heat can reduce efficiency, Maine’s colder temperatures often boost performance. Panels will continue generating electricity throughout the winter as long as they aren’t buried under snow for extended periods. And much like a metal roof, snow usually slides off their smooth surface within hours once the sun comes out.
Myth 3: Solar panels won’t hold up in Maine’s weather
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 a 30-year warranty. This means you can rest easy knowing your system will produce energy for your home for decades to come.
Myth 4: Solar is too expensive for the average homeowner
Fact: While solar does require an upfront investment, it’s more affordable than ever. With flexible financing options, many homeowners spread the cost over time while immediately lowering their electric bills. Most of our customers see a strong return on investment, typically recouping their costs within 10–15 years.
After that, every kilowatt-hour your system produces is essentially free power. Over a 30-year warranty period, that can add up to tens of thousands of dollars in avoided electricity costs. Solar isn’t just a smart investment — it’s also a way to bring predictability and stability back to your monthly budget.
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 13 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 doesn’t work when the power goes out
Fact: If you install solar without a battery, your system will shut off during a power outage and come back on when the grid is restored — just like your neighbors’ homes.
Add a battery backup, however, and your system can keep essential appliances running during an outage, similar to a generator. You can add a battery when your system is first installed or later on.
If you already have a generator, we’ll design your system so the two power sources stay safely separated, with either a manual or automatic shut-off depending on your generator type. Learn more about solar batteries →
Myth 7: Solar is only for off-grid homes
Fact: While solar can power off-grid homes, the vast majority of Maine installations are grid-tied systems. With a grid-tied setup, you can draw power at night and send excess back during the day — often earning credits on your bill through net metering. The tradeoff: without a battery, your system will shut down during a grid outage.
Off-grid systems operate independently with no utility connection. All electricity must be stored in batteries, which makes them more self-sufficient but requires careful management of stored energy.
The good news? Maine Solar Solutions designs and installs both grid-tied and off-grid systems. Learn more about your options →
Myth 8: Solar only works on a perfectly south-facing, unshaded roof
Fact: While south-facing roofs are ideal, panels facing southeast or southwest can still generate more than 90% of the energy of a south-facing array. Partial shading during the day is common, and our designers can account for it when planning your system.
Our team measures your roof and shading carefully to recommend the best panel placement — and we’ll let you know if trimming or removing trees would help maximize your system’s performance.
Myth 9: Solar only works on your roof — so an older roof means you can’t go solar
Fact: While roofs are the most common location for solar, panels can also be installed on garages, barns, sheds, or other outbuildings. If your property allows, a ground-mounted array may be a great option as well.
If you prefer roof installation but your roof is older, we usually recommend replacing it before adding solar. During your assessment, we’ll review all options with you and help determine the best placement for long-term performance.
Myth 10: Solar panels require constant cleaning and maintenance
Fact: Solar panels are remarkably low-maintenance. With no moving parts, they’re built to last for decades. You typically don’t need to clean them — rain handles most of the work, and snow usually slides off within hours, much like a metal roof.
All of our grid-tied systems include panel-level monitoring that you can check from your phone or computer. You’ll see real-time performance, historical production, and system alerts if anything needs attention. We recommend checking your app occasionally, but otherwise, day-to-day maintenance is practically nonexistent.
Myth 11: Solar systems can’t grow with your home’s energy needs
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: Solar panels don’t add value when you sell your home
Fact: Studies have shown that homes with solar installations often sell faster and for higher prices than comparable homes without solar. A comprehensive 2019 study found that homebuyers were willing to pay a premium of 4.1% 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 hidden expenses and lower-than-expected savings. The truth is no program covers the entire installation cost 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 embraces renewable energy, solar is becoming one of the smartest investments for homeowners across the state. By debunking these myths, we hope to show that solar is a viable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly solution that delivers real benefits. With thousands of installations in Maine, we’ve seen firsthand how solar helps both homeowners and businesses lower bills and gain independence.
Ready to see beyond the solar myths in Maine?
Don’t let common solar myths in Maine keep you from taking control of your energy future. The truth is, solar works here — and it’s already helping thousands of Mainers lower bills, gain independence, and protect themselves from rising costs.
At Maine Solar Solutions, we’ve been helping Mainers separate fact from fiction for over 13 years. Ready to see what solar can do for your home? Schedule your free site assessment or call us at (207) 871-7191 today.
