14 Common Solar Myths in Maine, Debunked

Updated May 6, 2026

Solar works in Maine — and it works better than most people think. But common misconceptions about sunlight, winter performance, and cost keep many homeowners from ever finding out.

At Maine Solar Solutions, we’ve spent over 14 years helping Mainers understand what solar can actually do for their home. Here are the facts behind the 14 most common solar myths in Maine.

Does Maine get enough sunlight for solar panels?

Yes. Maine receives approximately 33% more annual sunlight than Germany — a country that generates over 10% of its electricity from solar. Modern panels capture diffuse light even on cloudy days. We design most of our systems to meet or slightly exceed 100% of your household’s yearly energy needs.

Source: NREL Solar Resource Data

Does solar work in Maine winters?

Solar panels actually work better in cold weather. High temperatures reduce panel output through a measurable property called the temperature coefficient. Maine’s cold climate counteracts this loss and can boost performance compared to hot-climate installations. As long as panels aren’t buried under snow for extended periods, they’ll keep generating all winter. And much like a metal roof, snow usually slides off their smooth surface within hours once the sun comes out.

Do solar panels hold up in Maine’s harsh weather?

Solar panels are among the longest-lasting systems you can add to your home. Most manufacturers warranty their panels and energy output for at least 25 years — and we back our installations with a 30-year warranty. Panels are load-tested for heavy snow, high winds, and hail. When installed correctly, they protect the roof section beneath them; that area typically ages more slowly than exposed sections, shielded from UV and weather.

Is solar too expensive for most homeowners in Maine?

The cost of residential solar has dropped more than 80% over the past decade. With flexible financing options, many of our customers spread the cost over time while immediately lowering their electric bills. Most Maine homeowners recoup their investment within 8–12 years — and after that, every kilowatt-hour your system produces is essentially free power. Over a 30-year warranty period, avoided electricity costs can reach tens of thousands of dollars. Solar isn’t just a smart investment — it brings real predictability back to your monthly budget.

Will solar panels damage my roof?

When installed correctly by experienced professionals, solar panels can actually protect your roof from the elements. In over 14 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.

Do solar panels work during a power outage?

A grid-tied solar system without battery storage will shut down automatically during a grid outage — this is required by electrical code to protect utility workers restoring power. It comes 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 both power sources stay safely separated.

Do you have to be off-grid to use solar?

The large majority of solar installations — in Maine and nationally — are grid-tied, not off-grid. With a grid-tied setup, you draw utility power at night and send surplus back during the day, earning credits through Maine’s Net Energy Billing program. Off-grid systems operate independently with battery storage and no utility connection — a great fit for remote or rural properties. Maine Solar Solutions designs and installs both, and we’ll help you figure out which setup makes the most sense for your home.

Does my roof need to face south for solar?

South-facing roofs are ideal. But 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.

Can I go solar if my roof is old?

Roof installation is the most common option, but solar can also be mounted on garages, barns, sheds, other outbuildings, or as a ground-mounted array. If your roof is older, we typically recommend replacing it before adding solar — removing and reinstalling panels for a later roof replacement adds significant labor cost. During your assessment, we’ll walk through all the options with you and help identify the best placement for long-term performance.

Do solar panels require a lot of maintenance?

Solar panels require minimal maintenance. With no moving parts, they’re built to last for decades. Rain clears most surface debris, and snow slides off smooth panels without any intervention — much like a metal roof. All of our grid-tied systems include panel-level monitoring you can check from your phone or computer, with alerts if anything needs attention. We recommend checking the app occasionally, but beyond that, day-to-day maintenance is practically nonexistent.

Can I expand my solar system after installation?

Residential solar systems can be expanded if you have the space. Adding electric vehicles, heat pumps, or a hot tub — or welcoming family members into your home — can all change your energy needs over time. We design every system with the possibility of future panel and battery additions in mind, so expanding later is straightforward rather than a costly retrofit.

Do solar panels increase home resale value?

Yes. A study by Zillow found that buyers pay an average premium of 4.1% more for homes with existing solar arrays. As energy costs continue to rise, more homebuyers see solar as a long-term cost-saving asset. We’ve seen this firsthand across Maine — homeowners who’ve sold their homes consistently find solar to be a real selling point.

Source: Zillow Research

Can you get solar panels for free in Maine?

No program fully covers the cost of a residential solar installation in Maine. Advertisements claiming “free solar panels” typically refer to solar leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs) — arrangements where a third party owns the system and the homeowner pays for the power it generates at a contracted rate. These contracts don’t include ownership equity or the home resale value that comes with owning your system outright.

Always do your research, ask the right questions, and fully understand the true costs and benefits before signing anything — and feel free to call us if you want a straight answer about what you’re looking at.

Is Maine’s net metering policy at risk of changing?

Maine’s Net Energy Billing program is administered by the Maine Public Utilities Commission and has been in place for over a decade. Recent proposed legislative changes have primarily targeted commercial and community-scale solar projects, not individual residential systems. Homeowners who install under current net metering terms are covered by those terms for the life of their agreement — typically up to 20 years — regardless of future program changes for new installations. We keep a close eye on policy developments so our customers don’t have to — if anything changes that affects you, we’ll let you know.

Ready to see beyond the solar myths in Maine?

The myths are common. The facts are clear. Don’t let misinformation make the decision for you — schedule your free site assessment or call us at (207) 871-7191 and let the facts speak for themselves.