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SOLAR ENERGY

Solar energy is a form of renewable energy that is harvested from the sun's rays using solar panels. Solar energy systems, also referred to as photovoltaic (PV) systems, exist at varying scales, from large solar farms to residential systems that serve an individual home. Residential or community solar can be a great way to save money, without emitting any carbon. This page explores ways that you can access solar energy as a homeowner and the potential savings available. The video below explains solar energy savings in greater detail.

Producing energy on your rooftop or being a part of community solar helps protect against the volatility in the cost of fossil fuels. 

Installing solar panels with a battery storage system prepares your home for power outages or storms. 

Installing solar panels is viewed as a large home upgrade and can lead to increased home value.

Both installing solar panels and participating in a solar subscription have net savings over time.

Page updated January 20, 2026

TYPES OF SOLAR

RESIDENTIAL SOLAR:

​Residential solar refers to a system that is owned or used by one household. Many residential systems use panels that are installed on the home's roof. This is called rooftop solar. This type of system can be purchased outright or leased through a solar provider. 

Potential Savings:

Homeowners typically recoup the cost of their solar installations in about 5-10 years. The length of time depends on factors such as: location, size of array, and cost of electricity.

 

Solar panels also make reselling the home a bit easier as they increase the home’s resale value by $15,000, and homes with solar panels sell faster than those without.

Solar panels are a great way to lower your energy costs. Just how much you can save is dependent on your available space, where you live, and the cost of electricity. Revision Energy's solar savings calculator for Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts can provide a good picture of what your savings could be.

COMMUNITY SOLAR:

Community solar allows renters, homeowners, and businesses to subscribe to a local solar farm.

There are 2 types of community solar:

Co-op
In a Co-op​​ the community purchases and installs solar panels locally, and benefits are distributed to those who opt-in. ​

Subscription
Solar subscriptions are purchased directly from the solar farm instead of the utility company. The electricity produced by the share of solar panels you are subscribed to is then credited to your electric bill, reducing its cost. This model is useful for starting the process of transitioning to solar without making a larger commitment. 

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How do community solar projects make money?

  • The construction cost per unit of energy is usually lower than rooftop solar, because large community solar projects generally have:

    • lower cost per watt (economies of scale)

    • easier installation and maintenance

    • no need for individual home assessments or roof compatibility​

  • These projects generate bill credits under the Net Energy Billing program.

  • The solar company earns revenue from subscription payments (plus incentives), and profit comes from the difference between what the credits are worth and what subscribers pay.

​Ensure you are saving $ with a solar subscription:

  • Guarantee you pay for credits at a discount of what they take off of your utility bill ex) $90 paid to solar farm for $100 taken off utility bill

  • Watch out for expensive upfront fee or cancellation policy

  • Make sure your subscription size matches your actual usage. Credits last up to a year, and if you have more than you can use you may lose them.

Availability

  • Maine law requires plug-in solar systems to meet new safety standards before they can be used. Right now, no systems are certified yet, but manufacturers are working on it. Certified systems are expected to be available early next year. 

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Cost

  • Today, kits typically cost between $600 and $5,000. Prices are expected to drop as more states adopt them. There may also be opportunities for bulk discounts through community purchasing programs.

  • At current prices, most systems can pay for themselves in a little over three years through electricity savings.

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Electricity Production

  • Plug-in solar systems typically range from 400 to 1,200 watts, and output depends on system size and location. A 400-watt system produces about the same amount of electricity as a small appliance like a washing machine uses, while a 1,200-watt system can cover energy similar to a dishwasher.

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Installation

  • A qualified electrician is recommended to install plug-in solar systems for safety. Smaller systems (up to 420 watts) must still follow electrical code, but most people will need an electrician. Larger systems (420–1,200 watts) are required by Maine law to be installed by an electrician on a dedicated circuit with a single outlet.

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Rooftop solar vs. plug-in solar

  • Plug-in solar is best for renters, people without suitable roofs, those who can’t finance rooftop systems, or those not planning to stay long-term. It can offset up to about 20% of electricity use. Rooftop solar has a higher upfront cost but can cover most or all household electricity, offer better long-term savings, and protect more against rising rates.

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FINANCIAL INCENTIVES

​​Currently, there are no state- or federal-level rebates for rooftop solar installation.  However, homeowners who install solar can take advantage of net metering. 

NET METERING

Net metering, also called net billing, is an offset a customer may receive on their electricity bill for selling excess electricity from a solar system to the grid. This applies to both rooftop/single-home and community-based solar systems. Net metering is also available for other types of small-scale renewable energy generation. This can be a good way to reduce energy bills and help green the grid! 

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