Solar Energy

For many sites in Maine, solar energy is a cost-effective way to heat water, heat a home or business, and generate electricity.

What is solar energy?

Solar energy encompasses a range of technologies, but there are two basic types:

• Solar Thermal Systems collect the sun’s heat and use it for domestic hot water or space heating. The most common systems, Flat Plate Collectors and the more advanced Evacuated Tube Collectors, capture and transfer the sun’s heat to an indoor storage tank, using a non-toxic antifreeze. See the diagram at right for a simplified view of how these systems work. Solar Air Panels, mounted on an outside wall, use the sun to heat air, which is then circulated directly inside the building for space heating.
   
• Photovoltaic (PV) Electrical Systems use panels containing semiconductor materials to convert sunlight directly to electricity.

Is solar right for my home or business?

Thermal solar systems are generally the most cost-effective source of renewable energy. They can be installed on any roof, wall or other area of your property with minimal shade and a southern exposure. You can build solar energy into the design of a new building or renovation, or add systems to your existing building. And you can combine solar thermal and PV to meet your energy needs.

The first step to saving with renewable energy is to check whether your home or business is a suitable site for solar, wind or both types of energy.

• For solar energy, start by contacting a professional installer from our list (PDF)*.

Solar Energy Incentives

• List of Certified Solar Thermal Installers
• List of Solar Installers Certified by NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners) 
• Solar Incentive Application Form NOTE: before you start your solar project, you’ll need to determine if program funds are available by mailing in an application and receiving a reservation number.

Residential & Commercial Thermal Systems—Our basic Maine Thermal Solar Energy Incentive Program offers 25% of the project cost up to a maximum of $1,000.

Residential Bonus Incentive: There are three ways to get an additional $500 incentive (total of $1,500):

1. Improve the energy efficiency of your home under the Home Energy Savings Program. Eligible projects, in addition to solar, include insulation and air sealing, high-efficiency heating systems and water heaters, programmable thermostats and ENERGY STAR^® windows. NOTE: requires energy audit.
2. Build a new home under the Energy Star Homes program. NOTE: certificate of participation required.
3. Spend at least $2,000 on energy-efficiency upgrades (in addition to the solar thermal system), including insulation, energy-efficient lighting, an energy-efficient boiler, a front-load washer, double-pane windows. No audit required; simply include all receipts.

Residential & Commercial Photovoltaic (PV) Electrical Systems—We offer incentives at the rate of $2 per watt of installed capacity up to a maximum of $2,000. Before PV incentives are paid, an energy audit is required and a copy of the results must be submitted.

Solar Rebate Program Monthly Financial Report

* To request a hard copy/printed version of the PDF documents listed above, please contact Jean.M.Guzzetti@efficiencymaine.com. Please allow 10 days for delivery from the time of request.