Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Howland, Maine. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
ReVision Energy is a leading, employee-owned solar installer in New England with a strong commitment to Maine. They are known for high-quality design, expert installation, and comprehensive service, from consultation to maintenance. Their local branch ensures dedicated service for the Howland area.
A highly-rated, Maine-based solar contractor known for personalized service and expertise in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems. They handle the entire process in-house and have a strong reputation for customer satisfaction and technical knowledge.
While primarily an energy efficiency company, Evergreen's solar division leverages their whole-home expertise to design systems that maximize energy savings. They are an excellent choice for homeowners who want to combine solar with a comprehensive energy efficiency assessment.
** The home solar market in and around Howland, Maine, is characterized by high-quality, regional specialists rather than large national chains. The competition is strong among a handful of reputable companies, all of which are well-versed in Maine's specific climate challenges, incentive programs (like the Federal ITC and potential local rebates), and net metering policies. These providers are experienced with the snow loads and weather conditions unique to Central Maine. Typical pricing for a residential solar installation in this region is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from **$3.00 to $3.80 per watt** before incentives. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$15,000 to $30,000** for a typical 5-8 kW system. The high quality of service and expertise in this market is generally excellent, as the companies that succeed are those that have built a strong, long-term reputation in their communities. Homeowners in Howland have access to some of the best solar installers in the state, ensuring that projects are done correctly and efficiently.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Howland regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Howland, Maine.
While Howland experiences significant snowfall and shorter winter days, modern solar panels are efficient at converting daylight, not just direct sunlight, and perform well in cold temperatures. Snow will temporarily reduce production, but panels are installed at an angle to encourage snow shedding, and the reflective quality of snow can sometimes boost production. Importantly, Maine's net energy billing program allows you to bank summer overproduction as credits to offset your higher winter usage, making a system viable year-round.
The average gross cost for a residential solar system in Maine ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Critically, Howland homeowners are eligible for the 30% federal tax credit, and Maine's state tax credit of up to $2,000. Furthermore, you benefit from a strong state net energy billing (NEB) program with Central Maine Power, and there is no sales tax on solar installations in Maine, significantly reducing the net system cost.
Installing solar in Howland requires an electrical permit from the town and interconnection approval from Central Maine Power (CMP). The Town of Howland does not have a specific solar ordinance, so standard building codes apply, but it's always wise to confirm with the Howland Code Enforcement Officer. Your chosen, reputable installer will typically manage this entire permitting and interconnection process for you.
Look for Maine-licensed electricians and NABCEP-certified installers with proven experience in Penobscot County. Check reviews and ask for local references in Howland or nearby towns like Lincoln to see how their systems perform in our specific climate. Ensure they are thoroughly familiar with CMP's interconnection requirements and Maine's specific incentive programs to guarantee a smooth process.
South-facing roofs with minimal shading from Maine's dense tree cover are ideal, but east-west configurations are also effective. An installer will assess your roof's condition, angle, and structure. The best time to start the process is late winter or early spring; this allows for installation in the drier months (spring/summer) so your system is fully operational to capture the peak production season and build credits for the following winter.