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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 considered a major home upgrade and can increase home value.

Installing solar panels or subscribing to solar have net savings over time.

Page updated January 20, 2026

TYPES OF SOLAR 
While many will think of rooftop solar when they hear the term, that is not the only way to access the benefits of solar energy. Below is an overview and comparison of rooftop solar, community solar, and plug-in solar. 

Rooftop Solar
​Rooftop solar refers to panels installed directly on a household's roof, owned and used by a single household. This type of system can be purchased outright or leased through a solar provider. Alternatively, homeowners can also have ground-mounted panels installed. The biggest difference between this type of solar and community solar is that it is utilized by a single household. 

Rooftop Solar 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 help it sell faster than similar homes without solar panels.

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Solar panels are a great way to lower your energy costs. You can use Revision Energy's solar savings calculator to get an idea of your potential savings.

Homeowners with rooftop or ground-mounted solar are also eligible to participate in net metering, also called net billing.  Net metering is an offset a customer may receive on their electricity bill for selling excess electricity from a solar system to the grid. This can be a good way to reduce energy bills and help green the grid! 

Tips for 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.

Community Solar 
Community solar allows renters, homeowners, and businesses to subscribe to a local solar farm. There are two primary forms of community solar: 

  • Co-op solar: The community purchases and installs solar panels locally, and benefits are distributed to those who opt in. ​

  • Solar subscriptions: Purchased directly from the solar farm instead of the utility company. The electricity generated by the solar panels you are subscribed to is then credited to your electric bill, reducing its cost. This model is useful for starting the transition to solar without making a larger commitment. 
     

Plug-In Solar
Plug-in solar kits are small, portable systems that can be plugged into an outdoor outlet. In European countries, renter often place them on their balconies, so it is sometimes referred to as balcony solar. This video explains a bit more about plug-in solar and its benefits. 
 

The state of Maine passed legislation to allow for the adoption of plug-in solar in early April. However, the safety regulations of the units still need to be established, so they are not yet available. This page will be updated as more information about plug-in solar in the state is available. You can also visit Climate to Thrive's Plug-In Solar FAQ page to learn more! 

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 in Maine, officially known as Net Energy Billing (NEB), is a billing system that allows residents and businesses to generate their own renewable electricity (like rooftop solar) and send any excess power back to the grid for retail credit.​ You can use these accumulated credits during months when you use more electricity than you generate (like during darker winter days).

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