Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Guilford, Maine. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
ReVision Energy is a leading, employee-owned solar installer with a deep commitment to the New England region. They are a certified B Corporation and are known for their high-quality installations, exceptional customer service, and expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid/battery storage solutions. They handle the entire process from design and financing to installation and maintenance.
A highly reputable, locally-owned solar contractor based in Searsport, ME. Sundog Solar has built a strong reputation for personalized service and technical expertise, particularly in custom and complex installations, including off-grid systems. They are known for their hands-on approach and deep knowledge of Maine's specific climate and incentive structures.
Maine Solar Solutions is a dedicated, full-service solar installation company focused exclusively on the Maine market. They pride themselves on making the solar process straightforward for homeowners and have extensive experience with Central Maine Power (CMP) interconnection processes. They offer a range of financing options and are a strong partner for standard grid-tied residential systems.
** The home solar market in and around Guilford, Maine, is characterized by high-quality, specialized regional installers rather than national corporations. This results in a competitive environment focused on service quality and local expertise rather than price-cutting. The providers serving this area are exceptionally knowledgeable about Maine's climate challenges (snow load, icing), state-specific incentives (like the high-value Solar Renewable Energy Certificates or SRECs), and the interconnection requirements for utilities like CMP. **Average Quality:** The quality is generally high, with companies typically using Tier 1 solar panels (e.g., Qcells, Silfab, REC) and reputable inverters (Enphase, SolarEdge). Most top-tier providers hold NABCEP certifications. **Competition Level:** Moderate. While there are fewer than a dozen major players serving the region, the competition is robust among the established, reputable companies, driving a high standard of customer care and technical proficiency. **Typical Pricing:** As a rough estimate, the average gross cost for a residential solar system in Maine ranges from **$3.00 to $3.80 per watt** before incentives. For a typical 10 kW system, this translates to a cash price of **$30,000 - $38,000**. However, with the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and strong state incentives, the net cost can be significantly reduced, often by 30-50%. All top providers offer various financing options, including loans and leases, to make systems accessible with little or no money down.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Guilford regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Guilford, Maine.
Solar panels are actually quite efficient in cold, sunny weather, and Maine receives ample sunlight for solar production despite its northern latitude. Guilford's snowy winters require consideration; while snow cover can temporarily halt production, panels are installed at an angle to help snow slide off, and the reflective quality of snow can even boost production on clear days. The key is to size your system appropriately to account for shorter winter days and to maximize production during the long, sunny summer months, which generate the majority of your annual power.
Maine offers strong financial incentives that significantly reduce the net cost of a solar system. These include the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which deducts 30% of your system cost from your federal taxes. At the state level, you can participate in Net Energy Billing (NEB) with Central Maine Power or Versant Power, receiving bill credits for excess power you send to the grid. Additionally, Maine has no sales tax on solar energy installations, and you may qualify for a property tax exemption for the added home value from your system.
For a typical home in Guilford, the full process usually takes between 3 to 6 months. After system design and signing a contract, the most time-consuming steps are securing the necessary permits from your local town office and then the interconnection agreement and review with your utility (either CMP or Versant Power). Physical installation is relatively quick, often just 1-3 days, but scheduling can be affected by seasonal demand and weather. Working with a local, experienced installer helps streamline this process as they are familiar with Piscataquis County and utility requirements.
Prioritize providers with extensive experience installing systems in Maine's climate and a strong local presence in the region. They should be fully licensed and insured, and it's highly recommended to choose a Maine-licensed electrician. Ask for references from recent installations in Piscataquis or nearby counties, verify they handle all permitting and utility paperwork, and ensure they offer robust warranties on both equipment and workmanship. Local providers understand specific factors like optimal roof angles for snow shed and navigating the interconnection process with Maine's utilities.
Generally, no, manual clearing is not recommended due to safety risks and potential for damaging the panels. As mentioned, panels are installed at an angle, and the sun's heat often helps melt snow within a few days. Your system is designed to produce more energy in the summer to offset lower winter production, and Maine's Net Energy Billing program acts like a seasonal battery—credits you bank from summer excess are used to lower your winter bills. For true backup during outages, you would need to pair your solar with a battery storage system, as grid-tied systems automatically shut off for safety when the power goes out.