Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Mount Desert, Maine. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
ReVision Energy is a regional leader in the Northeast with a strong, dedicated presence in Maine. They are a certified B Corp and employee-owned, emphasizing quality and customer service. They offer comprehensive services from initial consultation and system design to installation, maintenance, and financing. Their expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid/battery storage solutions is particularly strong.
A well-established local Maine company based in Searsport, Sundog Solar has built a strong reputation for personalized service and high-quality residential installations. They are deeply knowledgeable about Maine's climate and specific energy needs, offering robust systems designed for longevity and efficiency. They handle the entire process, including navigating state incentives.
While offering a broader range of home improvement services, Evergreen Home Solutions has a dedicated and highly-reviewed solar division. They are a strong local contender, especially for homeowners looking for a company that can also integrate solar with other energy efficiency upgrades like heat pumps or insulation. They provide various financing options and are well-versed in available rebates.
The home solar market in Mount Desert, Maine, is characterized by high-quality, specialized regional and local providers rather than national corporations. The competition is strong among a handful of reputable companies, all of which are deeply familiar with the local climate, including heavy snowfall and coastal weather conditions, which they factor into system design and panel mounting. The market quality is high, with installers typically holding top-tier certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). Given the town's proximity to Acadia National Park, there is a significant emphasis on aesthetic integration and reliable, resilient power systems, making battery storage (like Tesla Powerwall) a popular add-on for backup power. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with the national average, but the excellent state-level incentives, including a strong net metering policy and potential rebates, significantly improve the return on investment. Homeowners in this market should expect a consultative and custom-designed approach rather than a one-size-fits-all sales process.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Mount Desert regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Mount Desert, Maine.
Solar panels are very effective in Mount Desert's climate. While winter days are shorter, panels actually operate more efficiently in cooler temperatures, and snow can reflect light, boosting production on clear days. Critically, 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 a system viable year-round.
You will need an electrical permit from the Mount Desert town office and a building permit if your roof requires structural review. As Mount Desert is home to Acadia National Park, some areas may have additional aesthetic or historic preservation guidelines, so an early consultation with the town's code enforcement officer is essential. Your chosen installer should handle all state interconnection paperwork with CMP.
A typical residential system in Maine costs between $15,000 and $25,000 before incentives. Key financial benefits include the 30% federal solar tax credit, Maine's state sales tax exemption on solar equipment, and a strong property tax exemption that ensures your assessment won't increase due to the solar installation. These incentives significantly reduce the net cost and payback period.
Prioritize installers with extensive experience in coastal Maine's specific conditions, including handling roof penetrations for weather-tightness and designing for snow load. Check for Maine-licensed electricians and North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certification. Ask for local references in Mount Desert or nearby towns like Bar Harbor to verify their knowledge of local codes and their system's performance through a full winter.
This is a valid local concern. Reputable installers will use racking and hardware specifically rated for marine or corrosive environments (e.g., aluminum with anodized or powder-coated finishes). Most high-quality solar panels themselves are built to withstand harsh coastal conditions. Discuss this directly with your installer to ensure they select components with appropriate corrosion warranties for Mount Desert's coastal climate.