Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Peaks Island, Maine. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
ReVision Energy is a regional leader and a certified B Corporation, founded in Maine. They are widely regarded as one of the most experienced and reputable solar installers in New England. They offer comprehensive services from initial consultation and design to installation, maintenance, and financing. Their expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid/battery storage solutions is particularly strong, making them an excellent choice for coastal and island properties.
A highly-rated, locally-owned solar installer based in Southern Maine. Sundog Solar has built a strong reputation for customer service and high-quality residential installations. They provide a full suite of services, including design, installation, and maintenance, and they are well-versed in Maine's solar incentives and financing options.
Pine Tree Solar is another established Maine-based company known for its personalized approach and technical expertise. They handle the entire process in-house and have significant experience with the unique installation considerations for homes in coastal Maine, including those on islands accessible by ferry.
The home solar market in Peaks Island is a niche but active segment of the broader Southern Maine solar industry. The market is characterized by **high-quality, competitive offerings** from established regional players. Due to the island's location, installations often require additional logistical planning for equipment transport via ferry and specialized design considerations for coastal weather, including salt air corrosion and high wind loads. **Competition** is strong among the top-tier providers, all of whom are familiar with serving Casco Bay communities. This competition benefits consumers through robust service offerings and expertise. **Typical pricing** is in line with the state average, which is moderately high due to labor and equipment costs, but is offset by strong financial incentives. The average gross cost for a residential system ranges from **$20,000 to $45,000+** before incentives. Homeowners can significantly reduce this cost through the 30% Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), and Maine's state-specific programs like the Solar Energy Rebate Program. Many providers offer various financing options, including loans and leases, making solar more accessible. The combination of high electricity costs and excellent incentives makes the return on investment (ROI) for solar in Maine increasingly attractive.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Peaks Island regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Peaks Island, Maine.
Solar panels perform well in Maine's cold, clear winters, and snow typically slides off angled panels. However, installations on Peaks Island must be engineered for high wind loads and heavy snow weights specific to the Casco Bay region. A reputable local installer will design a robust mounting system and may recommend a slightly steeper tilt to aid snow shedding, ensuring year-round reliability.
After the 30% federal tax credit, a typical Peaks Island system costs between $15,000-$25,000. Maine offers strong incentives, including a state rebate (currently $2,000 for standard systems) and net energy billing (NEB) with CMP, which provides bill credits for excess power. Importantly, as an island community, reducing reliance on the undersea cable can provide long-term financial security against potential rate increases or outages.
Yes, you must navigate both local and utility requirements. The City of Portland (which governs Peaks Island) has specific building and electrical permits. Furthermore, as part of Central Maine Power's (CMP) territory, your system interconnection application must be approved. Working with a Maine-based installer experienced with CMP and Portland's permitting process is crucial for a smooth project.
Prioritize providers with extensive experience in coastal Maine installations. A local or regional installer based in Maine will best understand the specific weather challenges, permitting logistics with the ferry for equipment transport, and interconnection with CMP. Always verify they are licensed (Maine Electrical Master's License), insured, and check their reviews and portfolio of island or coastal projects.
A standard grid-tied solar system will shut off during a CMP outage for safety, unless it includes a battery storage solution. Adding a battery (like a Tesla Powerwall or Generac PWRcell) is highly recommended on Peaks Island. It stores excess solar energy to power critical loads during outages, which is especially valuable given the island's vulnerability to storms that can disrupt the undersea cable connection.