Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Bar Harbor, Maine. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
ReVision Energy is a regional leader and employee-owned B Corp, widely recognized as one of the top solar installers in New England. They offer a comprehensive, full-service approach from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and financing. Their expertise in cold-climate solar and battery storage is particularly strong.
Evergreen Home Solutions is a Maine-based company specializing in making homes more efficient and sustainable. They provide robust solar solutions alongside other home performance upgrades. They are known for strong customer service and deep knowledge of Maine-specific incentives and climate challenges.
A dedicated local installer based in Searsport, Sundog Solar has a strong presence in the Downeast coastal community, including Bar Harbor. They are known for personalized service, high-quality craftsmanship, and expertise in both residential and small commercial projects. Their proximity to Bar Harbor makes them a highly responsive local option.
** The home solar market in Bar Harbor, Maine, is characterized by high-quality, specialized providers rather than high-volume, national companies. The competition is moderate but consists of established, reputable firms with deep regional expertise. Key market drivers include: * **High Electricity Costs:** Central Maine Power (CMP) rates are among the highest in the nation, making solar a financially attractive investment for homeowners. * **Strong Incentives:** Maine offers excellent incentives, including a state tax credit, net energy billing (NEB), and sales and property tax exemptions, which providers are well-versed in navigating. * **Climate & Geography:** Providers must be experts in designing systems for Maine's snowy winters, coastal weather, and variable sunlight, often favoring durable equipment and battery storage for resilience during power outages, which are not uncommon. * **Typical Pricing:** The average cost for a residential solar system in Maine ranges from **$18,000 to $35,000+** before incentives, depending on system size (typically 6-12 kW) and the inclusion of battery storage. The high-quality, service-oriented nature of the local market means pricing is competitive but not necessarily the absolute cheapest, reflecting the value of expert design and installation. Given these factors, homeowners in Bar Harbor are best served by choosing a provider with proven experience in the unique Maine environment and a thorough understanding of local regulations and incentives.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Bar Harbor regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Bar Harbor, Maine.
Bar Harbor experiences significant seasonal variation, with long summer days offering excellent solar production and shorter, cloudier winter days reducing output. However, modern panels are efficient in diffuse light, and cold temperatures actually improve panel conductivity. Proper system sizing accounts for this seasonal swing, often designing to over-produce in summer to build credits with Central Maine Power (CMP) to offset winter usage through net metering.
After the 30% federal tax credit, a typical residential system in Bar Harbor costs between $15,000-$25,000. Maine offers strong incentives including net metering with CMP, a state sales tax exemption, and potentially local property tax exemptions. With Maine's high electricity rates (among the highest in New England), the payback period is typically 8-12 years, after which you benefit from decades of nearly free electricity.
Yes, local regulations are crucial. If your home is within the Bar Harbor Historic District or a designated Village Residential Zone, you may face stricter aesthetic guidelines requiring panel placement that minimizes street visibility. Always check with the Bar Harbor Planning & Code Enforcement Department early in the process. Most standard residential areas have straightforward permitting, but roof-mounted systems generally require a building permit.
Seek Maine-licensed electricians (Master Electrician license) and contractors with specific experience in Hancock County. Look for providers familiar with local permitting and CMP interconnection processes. Key factors include: local references, warranty offerings (25-year panel performance is standard), and whether they handle the entire process (permitting, interconnection, incentive paperwork). Providers based in Maine will best understand our climate and grid challenges.
Panels are installed at an angle, so snow often slides off on its own, especially with dark panels that absorb heat. Manual removal is generally not recommended due to roof safety risks and potential for damaging panel surfaces. While snow cover halts production, melting is usually swift on sunny days. Your system is designed to produce ample annual energy, accounting for winter downtime, and net metering credits from summer help balance winter usage.