Solar Electric
Please note: Efficiency Maine is not currently offering rebates for solar projects. Click here for a registry of independent solar installers.
Solar electric or photovoltaic (PV) systems convert sunlight into electricity. The amount of power generated by a PV system depends on the size of the system and how much sunlight reaches it. A typical PV system is an array of solar panels connected to the utility grid and/or batteries. The performance of PV systems is measured in terms of their efficiency at converting sunlight into electricity.
Advantages
- Environmental impact – PV systems can reduce the carbon footprint of your home or business by producing electricity with a renewable resource.
- Low-cost electricity – Once installed, PV systems generate electricity at little to no cost.
- Predictable energy costs – Since most of the costs of a PV system are related to the installation, solar electricity is not subject to the same fluctuations as traditionally sourced electricity.
- Net energy billing – You can earn a credit, not a payout, for power you put on the grid and then you can use that credit within 12 months if you need power from the grid.
Other considerations
- Solar exposure required – Not all locations are good candidates for PV systems. Ideally, installations should be southern-facing with unobstructed sunlight.