Maine Solar Incentive Programs

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Maine experiences a varied climate with around 200 sunny days annually, providing a moderate amount of sunlight for solar energy initiatives. While it may not be among the sunniest states, Maine’s weather conditions still present opportunities for viable solar power projects. Maine has a variety of solar incentives and rebates available to help residents save money on their solar energy systems. Here are some of the incentives available to Maine home and business owners:

Federal Incentives

Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Commercial solar energy systems installed in Maine can take advantage of the Federal Investment Tax Credit 48E, which provides a tax credit of 30% of the total cost of the system, provided prevailing wage and apprenticeship requirements are met. 

Residential systems can no longer claim any federal solar tax credit, as the One Big Beautiful Bill eliminated it for systems installed after January 1st, 2026. 

Commercial Depreciation

Commercial asset owners can write off 100% of a project’s value in depreciation in the first year. The One Big Beautiful Bill reinstated the 100% bonus depreciation, while simultaneously eliminating the Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) that previously depreciated solar energy systems over 5 years. 

The depreciable basis of a project is reduced by half of the ITC value when combined with the 30% ITC. Here’s a quick example:

• Project cost = $800,000
• 30% credit = $240,000
• Reduced depreciation basis: $800,000 – ($240,000 / 2) = $680,000

A company’s tax rate is then taken into account to calculate the exact amount they’re able to write off. 

Net Energy Billing:

Net energy billing in Maine is a billing arrangement for solar panel owners that credits them for excess electricity they generate. When your solar panels produce more energy than your home consumes, the surplus is fed back into the grid and credited to your account, effectively spinning your meter backward. These credits can then be used to offset future electricity consumption, resulting in lower energy bills. Net energy billing promotes the efficient use of solar power, reduces reliance on fossil fuels, and supports the transition to clean energy. By participating in net energy billing, you not only save money but also contribute to a more sustainable energy future while helping maintain grid stability in Maine.

Property Tax Exemptions for Solar:

Maine offers a property tax exemption for renewable energy systems, including solar installations. This exemption means that the added value of your solar panels will not increase your property taxes.

Sales Tax Exemption:

Maine offers a sales tax exemption for solar energy systems. This means that you won’t have to pay sales tax on the purchase of your solar panels.

Utility Rebates:

Maine has a number of utility companies that offer rebates for solar installations. For example, Central Maine Power offers a rebate of $0.50 per watt for residential solar installations and $0.25 per watt for commercial installations. Versant Power offers a rebate of $0.50 per watt for residential solar installations and $0.25 per watt for commercial installations.

Further information and programs can be found at the Programs.Dsireusa.org