Pricing
Estimate the cost of solar for your home
A well-designed solar system can eliminate your electric bill to just the monthly service fee of around $27, making solar one of the few investments that truly pays for itself. In fact, most Maine homeowners find that their system pays for itself in as little as 8 to 12 years.
Your up-front costs will depend on several factors, including the components of your solar system, electric needs, property characteristics, and more. Use the information on this page to get a better sense of what your costs might be, or visit our solar calculator for an instant rough estimate.
Average cost of a solar system in Maine
In Maine, the average home uses between 9,500 and 13,000 kWh of electricity each year. A grid-tied rooftop solar system sized to offset that usage typically costs between $21,000 and $27,000. That investment can lock in a low, predictable cost of electricity for more than 30 years while saving an estimated $115,000 to $150,000 in avoided electric bills over the life of the system.
Every Maine Solar Solutions installation includes the equipment, labor, permits, and utility coordination needed to install a safe, code-compliant solar system. We also back every system with a 30-year warranty—the longest available in Maine.
During your free site evaluation, we’ll assess your home’s solar potential, recommend a system sized for your energy goals, and provide an accurate quote with purchase and financing options.
| If Your Average Electric Bill Is | Annual Electric Usage | System Size | Estimated Pricing* | 30-year Estimated Electricity Savings** |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $163 | 6,122 kWh/yr | 4.76 kW | $14,592 | $70,804 |
| $245 | 9,949 kWh/yr | 7.73 kW | $21,594 | $115,066 |
| $312 | 13,010 kWh/yr | 10.11 kW | $26,706 | $150,486 |
| $395 | 16,836 kWh/yr | 13.09 kW | $33,645 | $194,718 |
| $460 | 19,897 kWh/yr | 15.74 kW | $40,296 | $230,120 |
(**) Our savings estimates assume a 3% annual increase in electricity rates. If costs rise faster—as they often do—your investment in solar will pay off even more.
(*) Pricing estimates assume an unshaded, south-facing roof with a 35-degree roof pitch.
Production levels and costs will vary depending on your free site assessment findings.
Additional factors to consider
Grid-tied solar systems are the most popular and cost-effective option in Maine. With this system, the sun powers your home when it’s shining, but you’re still connected to the grid so you can have power via net metering credits at night or when it’s cloudy. Net metering ensures the electricity generated by your solar system offsets your usage—and, ultimately, your electric bill.
We also install grid-tied systems with battery backup and fully off-grid systems. Off-grid systems tend to cost more than similar grid-tied systems due to the additional labor, equipment, and service required.
Most of our customers choose rooftop solar arrays, which are the most cost-effective option. However, you might choose a ground-mounted array if you have a heavily shaded roof or aesthetic preferences. A ground-mounted solar array typically costs 15-25% more than a rooftop array due to the additional labor and equipment required.
Your solar system might cost more or less depending on your roof’s pitch, your home’s orientation, and the amount of shade on your property. A sunny, south-facing roof is best but not necessary—many customers find solar to be affordable even if their roof is partially shaded or faces another direction. During our free site assessment, we’ll carefully evaluate your property to see if your home is a good candidate for solar.
Solar panels account for the greatest equipment cost when going solar. We offer many types which differ in size, wattage, efficiency, appearance, and warranty. We always present our customers with a range of options and take the time to explain the differences in panel features, performance, cost, and value, so you can make an informed choice.
Depending on your budget and needs, you might choose to add battery back-up or an electric vehicle (EV) charger to your system. Even if you’re not ready to add them at the time of installation, we can discuss designing your system to accommodate these add-ons later.
Financing your solar system
Most customers choose between paying upfront for their solar electric system or financing the purchase and making monthly payments.
Choosing to pay for a solar electric system out-of-pocket will give you the highest return on your investment. You’ll own your solar panels immediately and not have to pay any interest. Many of our customers have taken advantage of low-interest rates and increasing home values to pay for their solar systems with home equity loans or when refinancing their mortgages.
Financing your solar system with a traditional solar loan allows you to spread the cost over predictable monthly payments while locking in your cost of electricity. Over the lifetime of your system, you’ll be protected from rising utility rates.
If you’re interested in securing a loan for your solar system, we’ll review options with you and connect you with a trustworthy, straightforward, and socially responsible lender. Learn more about your financing options here.
Propel is an alternative financing option available through Maine Solar Solutions that can reduce the overall cost of a solar installation by 20–30% for many qualified homeowners. You’ll make predictable monthly payments with no escalators or prepayment penalties, and ownership of your solar system automatically transfers to you after five years.
– Cathy G., Gorham, ME
Get a detailed estimate for your property
At Maine Solar Solutions, we’re committed to providing you with the information, transparency and guidance you need to make the best choice for you—no pressure, no gimmicks.
If you’d like to explore solar options for your home, schedule your free site assessment today.
Let us design the right system for you
Our team is here to help you choose the right solar and battery backup solution for your home. If you’re ready to take the next step, reach out to schedule your free site assessment.
