Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Harpswell, Maine. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A regional leader in Northern New England with a strong commitment to quality and customer education. As a employee-owned B-Corp, they focus on high-performance system design and have extensive experience with both grid-tied and complex off-grid/battery storage solutions, which is ideal for coastal and potentially remote properties in Harpswell.
A well-established, locally-owned Maine company based in nearby Searsport. They have a strong reputation for personalized service, quality craftsmanship, and deep knowledge of local permitting and interconnection processes for Central Maine Power. They offer a full suite of services from design to maintenance.
While based in Windham, Evergreen Home Solutions has a significant statewide presence and is known for its strong customer service and comprehensive approach. They offer solar, battery storage, heat pumps, and insulation, allowing them to provide a whole-home energy efficiency assessment. They are particularly adept at explaining financing and incentive options clearly.
The home solar market in Harpswell, Maine, is characterized by high-quality, regional specialists rather than large national chains. The coastal environment and the potential for both grid-tied and off-grid properties create a demand for robust, well-designed systems that can handle Maine's weather and seasonal variations. Competition is healthy among the top-tier providers, all of whom are highly knowledgeable about Maine's specific incentives, including the state's net energy billing (NEB) program and federal tax credits. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$3.00 to $3.80 per watt** before incentives. For an average 8 kW system, this translates to a gross cost of approximately **$24,000 - $30,400**. After applying the 30% federal tax credit, the net investment typically falls between **$16,800 and $21,280**. Given the high cost of electricity in Maine, the return on investment (ROI) and payback period for Harpswell homeowners are often very favorable. Companies in this market differentiate themselves through their expertise in battery backup (for power resilience) and their ability to navigate the specific site challenges of a coastal community.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Harpswell regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Harpswell, Maine.
Solar panels are very effective in Harpswell. While winter days are shorter, panels actually operate more efficiently in cold weather, and snow often slides off angled panels quickly. Importantly, Maine has strong net metering laws, allowing you to bank excess summer generation as credits to offset your higher winter electricity use from Central Maine Power (CMP), making the system economical year-round.
The average gross cost for a residential solar system in Maine ranges from $18,000 to $30,000 before incentives. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal tax credit and Maine's unique state rebate program, which offers up to $2,000. Additionally, Harpswell property owners benefit from a 100% property tax exemption for the added value of the solar installation, and sales tax is exempt on the equipment.
Harpswell has its own land use and shoreline zoning ordinances. While solar installations are generally encouraged, if your property is in a Shoreland Zone or has significant tree cover, there may be specific setback or vegetation clearing requirements. A reputable local installer will handle the permitting process with the Harpswell Code Enforcement Officer and ensure compliance with all local and state electrical codes.
Prioritize providers with extensive experience in Maine's climate and regulatory environment. Look for Maine-licensed electricians, check for certifications like NABCEP, and ask for local references in Harpswell or nearby towns like Brunswick or Freeport. A trustworthy provider will conduct a detailed site assessment, factoring in your roof's condition, potential shading from trees, and your historical CMP usage to design an optimal system.
A standard grid-tied solar system will automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons. To have backup power, you must install a specific system with a solar battery (like a Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell). This is a valuable consideration for Harpswell homeowners. Your installer can design a system that uses battery storage to provide essential circuit backup during outages caused by nor'easters or other severe weather.