Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Etna, Maine. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading, employee-owned solar installer in New England with a strong commitment to quality and customer education. They offer a full-service approach from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and financing guidance. Their expertise in both grid-tied and battery-backed systems is highly regarded.
A well-established local Maine company known for its high-quality craftsmanship and personalized service. They specialize in custom-designed solar solutions for a variety of home types and energy needs, with a strong focus on the Central and Mid-Coast Maine regions, including Etna.
While offering a broader range of home improvement services, Evergreen has a dedicated and growing solar division that serves the Bangor area and surrounding towns like Etna. They are a good option for homeowners looking for a local contractor that can also handle energy efficiency assessments and other complementary upgrades.
The home solar market in and around Etna, Maine, is characterized by a small number of highly specialized, regional providers rather than a high volume of national chains or intense local competition. As a rural community, residents are often served by established companies based in larger nearby hubs like Bangor, Portland, and Augusta. The market quality is generally high, with contractors typically holding advanced certifications like NABCEP and having decades of collective experience, necessary for navigating Maine's climate and incentive structures. Competition is moderate but professional. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, but the final cost is highly influenced by roof complexity, desired energy offset, and the inclusion of battery storage, which is increasingly popular for backup power in rural areas. Providers are generally very knowledgeable about state-specific incentives, such as the Maine Solar Renewable Energy Credit (SREC) program and federal tax credits, which are crucial for improving return on investment.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Etna regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Etna, Maine.
While Etna experiences significant snowfall and shorter winter days, modern solar panels are efficient in cold, sunny weather and can even produce energy from reflected light off snow. The key is proper system sizing to account for lower winter production and higher summer output, ensuring your annual energy needs are met. Professional installers in the area will design your array with a steep tilt to help shed snow and maximize exposure to the lower winter sun.
The average gross cost for a residential solar system in Maine ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Homeowners in Etna benefit from the strong 30% federal tax credit, and Maine's unique incentive is net energy billing (NEB) with Central Maine Power, which provides bill credits for excess energy sent to the grid. Additionally, Maine offers a sales tax exemption on solar equipment and potentially local property tax exemptions, significantly reducing the net system cost.
Yes, you will need an electrical permit from the Etna town office and potentially a building permit if your roof requires structural review. All installations must be performed by a licensed electrician and comply with the Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC). It's crucial to work with a Maine-licensed solar provider who will handle this permitting process and ensure compliance with all state interconnection rules for CMP.
Look for providers with strong local experience, Maine electrical licenses, and positive reviews from nearby towns. Key questions to ask include: "Can you provide references from recent installations in Penobscot County?", "How do you design for heavy snow load and efficient snow shedding?", and "What is your process for handling CMP interconnection and Maine's net energy billing paperwork?" A trustworthy local installer will be deeply familiar with these regional specifics.
No, a standard grid-tied solar system will automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, unless it includes a dedicated battery storage solution. For backup power, you must install a system with batteries (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar) that includes an islanding capability. Given Etna's rural location and weather, many homeowners pair solar with battery storage specifically for this critical resilience benefit.