Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Palmyra, 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 a certified B Corporation and are known for their high-quality installations, exceptional customer service, and deep expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid/battery storage solutions. They handle the entire process from consultation and design to financing, installation, and maintenance.
A highly respected, locally-owned solar installer based in Searsport, ME. Sundog Solar has built an excellent reputation for custom-designed residential systems and personalized service. They are known for their craftsmanship and work extensively throughout Central Maine, including the Palmyra area. They offer a full suite of services from design to maintenance.
Based in Pittsfield, Maine Solar Solutions is a dedicated local installer focusing on residential and small commercial projects across the state. They are praised for their straightforward approach, clear communication, and expertise in navigating Maine-specific incentives and net energy billing. They provide comprehensive services including design, financing, installation, and system monitoring.
** The home solar market in and around Palmyra, Maine is characterized by a few high-quality, regional specialists rather than a high volume of local competitors. The competition level is moderate but of a high caliber, with established companies competing on service, design expertise, and long-term reliability rather than just price. **Average Quality:** The average quality of service is very high. The leading providers are NABCEP-certified (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners), use top-tier equipment (e.g., REC, Qcells, Enphase, Tesla), and have extensive experience with Maine's specific climate challenges, including snow loads and efficient winter production. **Competition Level:** Moderate. Homeowners have several excellent, reputable options, but not an overwhelming number of national or "fly-by-night" companies. This benefits the consumer, as the competing firms have strong incentives to maintain their local reputations. **Typical Pricing:** As a rough estimate, the average gross cost for a residential solar system in Maine before incentives ranges from **$18,000 to $35,000**, highly dependent on system size (typically 5kW to 12kW for a home). However, the net cost is significantly lower due to strong incentives: * **Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC):** 30% of the system cost. * **Maine State Tax Credit:** Up to $2,000. * **Maine Net Energy Billing (NEB):** This program provides bill credits for excess energy sent back to the grid, dramatically improving the payback period. All top providers will provide detailed quotes and are well-versed in these financial incentives, which are a major driver for solar adoption in the state.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Palmyra regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Palmyra, Maine.
While winter production is lower due to snow cover and reduced daylight, modern systems are designed for this. Panels are installed at a steeper angle (around 45-50 degrees) to optimize for our latitude and to help snow slide off more easily. Importantly, Maine's long, sunny summer days generate significant surplus power, which is banked as credits with Central Maine Power (CMP) through net metering to offset your winter usage, making a well-sized system effective year-round.
A typical residential system in Palmyra ranges from $18,000 to $30,000 before incentives. Crucially, you are eligible for the 30% federal tax credit and Maine's unique incentive: a rebate of up to $2,000 from Efficiency Maine Trust. Additionally, property tax and sales tax exemptions in Maine protect your investment. Many local providers offer financing, including loans and potential Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), making the upfront cost manageable.
Yes, you will need a building permit from the Palmyra Town Office. The process is generally straightforward for standard rooftop systems, but it's vital to confirm your home is not in a locally designated historic district or has any restrictive covenants. Your chosen installer will typically manage this entire permitting process, as well as the mandatory interconnection application with Central Maine Power (CMP), which is required to connect your system to the grid.
Prioritize Maine-based installers with extensive experience in our specific climate and with CMP's interconnection process. Look for providers who are licensed, insured, and certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Ask for local references in Somerset County, review their portfolio of past installations, and ensure they provide a detailed production estimate specific to Palmyra's weather patterns, not just a generic national average.
No, a standard grid-tied system will automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons, unless it includes a dedicated battery storage solution like a Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell. For backup power, you must specifically design a "solar-plus-storage" system. This is a key consideration for many Palmyra homeowners, and your installer can design a system that prioritizes essential circuits during an outage.