Solar power in Maine on rooftops, utilizing 6,300 megawatts (MW) of solar panels, can provide 60% of the electricity used in Maine according to a 2016 U.S. Department of Energy study. Maine and Vermont are tied for the second highest rooftop solar potential in the country, only behind the state of California.[1] A 2020 estimate suggests that a typical 5.6 kilowatt (kW) residential system will pay for itself in 6-7 years and generate a profit of $45,000 over the rest of its 25-year life from the tax credits and utility savings.[2]
Net metering is available to all consumers for up to at least 100 kW generation. Excess generation is rolled over each month but is lost at the end of each year.[3] Maine provides a range of additional programs to incentive efficient energy use, as well as promote the transition to solar and other forms of renewable energy.[4]
- ^ Pieter Gagnon, Robert Margolis, Jennifer Melius, Caleb Phillips, and Ryan Elmore (January 31, 2016). "Rooftop Solar Photo voltaic Technical Potential in the United States" (PDF). National Renewable Energy Laboratory.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) - ^ "Solar Reviews - Maine". www.solarreviews.com. Retrieved 2020-12-30.
- ^ "Maine Public Utilities Commission Regulatory Rule - Customer Net Energy Billing" (PDF). www.maine.gov. Retrieved 2020-12-30.
This rule was approved as to form and legality by the Attorney General on December 15, 1998. It was filed with the Secretary of State on December 15, 1998 and will be effective on December 20, 1998.
- ^ "Maine energy programs". www.dsireusa.org. Retrieved 2020-12-30.
DSIRE is the most comprehensive source of information on incentives and policies that support renewables and energy efficiency in the United States. Established in 1995, DSIRE is operated by the N.C. Clean Energy Technology Center at N.C. State University and receives support from EnergySage.