Best Time To Go Solar in Maine | Maine Solar Solutions
Spring solar installation in Maine — best time to go solar”

There’s No Wrong Time To Go Solar — But Some Seasons Have Advantages

If you’ve ever tackled a home improvement project, you know timing can make a difference. While summer is often the go-to season for renovations, when it comes to solar, installing as the snow melts has unique benefits.

Why Spring Is a Smart Season To Install Solar

When it comes to maximizing a solar investment, it might surprise you to know that spring is one of the best times of the year for an installation. Maine’s winter days are short and dark, so it’s natural for people to wait to think about going solar until the sun starts to shine. But you certainly don’t have to wait for the sunny weather to enjoy solar energy’s benefits. Installing your solar system in spring delivers financial benefits sooner than waiting until summer to begin the process.

1. Capture Peak Solar Production Early

As the snow melts and the days grow longer, your solar panels get right to work. By March, Maine is already seeing sunnier days, the sun is higher in the sky, and production starts ramping up. That means installing in the spring lets you take advantage of the most productive months of the year.

Summer is also when electricity use spikes, especially with air conditioning. By having your solar system online in the spring, you can generate plenty of power ahead of time—helping reduce or even eliminate summer electric bills and building up credits for the winter.

The chart below shows how a typical Portland, ME solar installation performs throughout the year. Notice how production begins to ramp up in March and peaks in spring and summer — the exact reason installing in spring gives homeowners a head start on savings.”

Monthly solar panel energy production chart for a Portland, Maine home with a south-facing roof at 35-degree pitch.

If you wait until after that first high summer bill to get started with your free assessment, you’ll miss out on capturing those peak production months.

2. Shorter Wait Times For Solar Installations

Summer and fall are the busiest seasons for solar in Maine. Once the long sunny days arrive, homeowners are reminded that solar really does work here, and the phones start ringing.

By starting your project in the spring, you can avoid the seasonal rush. Scheduling your site assessment and installation earlier means you’ll get on the calendar faster and won’t risk being pushed into late fall or winter.

3. Bank Solar Energy Credits for Winter

One of the biggest benefits of going solar in Maine is net metering (NEM). This program allows you to earn credits whenever your system produces more electricity than your home uses. That excess power is sent back to the grid, and your utility (like Central Maine Power) applies credits to your bill.

Those credits roll over month to month and can be used during times when your system produces less — like winter or at night. With the right size solar electric system, you can generate enough electricity over the course of a year to cover nearly all your usage.

In spring and summer, most Maine homes create more electricity than they use. Install in spring to maximize that production and build credits — then draw from them during shorter winter days.

4: Protect Yourself From Rising Electricity Rates

It’s no secret that electric bills are on the rise. Over the past decade, residential electricity rates have increased nationally by around 26%, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. And here in Maine, the outlook is even more concerning: Central Maine Power has filed a plan for rate hikes starting in 2026 that could raise bills by nearly 30% over just five years.

Even if your usage doesn’t change, your monthly bill will. Solar protects you from these increases by letting you produce your own electricity at a fixed cost. With today’s prices and incentives, most systems in Maine pay for themselves within 10–15 years. And with warranties lasting 25–30 years, you can count on reliable, predictable savings for decades — no matter what happens with electrical rates.

Anytime Is a Good Time — But Sooner Is Better

 No matter the season, going solar sooner means you start saving sooner. That said, spring offers unique benefits: faster scheduling, stronger production, and the ability to build credits for winter.

At Maine Solar Solutions, we’ve helped Mainers make the switch for over 13 years. Our team will evaluate your property, design a custom system, and give you the information you need to make a confident decision.

Ready to explore your options? Request your free assessment today online or give us a call at 207-871-7191 and start planning your path to energy independence.