Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Franklin, Maine. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
As a leading, employee-owned solar installer in New England, ReVision Energy has a strong commitment to the Maine market. They offer a comprehensive, full-service approach from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and financing. They are known for their expertise and high-quality installations.
A reputable local installer based in Searsport, Sundog Solar specializes in both grid-tied and off-grid solar solutions for homes and businesses across Downeast Maine. They are praised for their personalized service, technical expertise, and focus on customer education.
This company has built a strong reputation as a dedicated residential and commercial solar installer throughout central and coastal Maine. They handle the entire process in-house and are recognized for their professionalism and deep knowledge of Maine-specific incentives and conditions.
The home solar market in Franklin, Maine, and the surrounding Downeast region is characterized by a small number of highly specialized, reputable contractors rather than high competition from national firms. The quality of service is generally very high, as the established local providers have deep experience with Maine's specific climate, incentive programs (like Efficiency Maine rebates), and interconnection policies with utilities like Versant Power. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, but the value is often found in the robust, durable installations designed to withstand Maine winters. The market is mature, with a strong focus on battery storage (like Tesla Powerwall and Generac PWRcell) due to the desire for energy independence and backup power during frequent winter storm outages. Consumers are well-served by several excellent regional companies, though scheduling can be subject to high demand, especially in the warmer months.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Franklin regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Franklin, Maine.
Solar panels work efficiently in cold, sunny weather, and Maine's winter sunlight is still productive. However, heavy snow accumulation can temporarily reduce output. Installers in Franklin will design your system with a steeper tilt (often 40-45 degrees) to help snow shed more easily, and they use robust racking rated for Maine's snow loads. It's also common to install panels lower on the roof for safer snow clearing access.
The average gross cost for a residential system in Maine ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Crucially, Maine homeowners benefit from a strong state incentive: a rebate of up to $2,000 through Efficiency Maine's "Home Energy Savings Program." Combined with the 30% federal tax credit and net metering with your local utility (like Versant Power), the payback period in Franklin is typically 8-12 years, with decades of free power afterward.
Yes, you must comply with both local and state regulations. The Town of Franklin has its own building permit process, and your installer should handle this. At the state level, Maine has "expedited permitting" for standard residential systems under 25 kW, which streamlines the process. A key local consideration is ensuring your site isn't heavily shaded by Maine's dense tree cover, which may require a pre-installation site assessment.
Prioritize Maine-based installers familiar with local climate challenges and utility requirements. Look for providers certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Ask for references from recent installations in Hancock County and verify they are licensed and insured in Maine. A reputable provider will conduct a detailed shading analysis specific to your property's sun exposure.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during outages for safety, unless you add a solar battery backup, which is highly recommended in Franklin for winter resilience. For net metering, Maine law requires utilities like Versant Power to offer a 1-to-1 kilowatt-hour credit. You bank excess summer production as credits to offset higher winter usage, with an annual "true-up" period. This makes your system cost-effective year-round despite lower winter generation.