Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Steuben, 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 the Maine market. They are known for comprehensive service from initial consultation and system design to installation and long-term maintenance. They are a certified B Corporation and have deep expertise in handling Maine's climate and incentive programs.
A reputable local installer based in Searsport, Sundog Solar has built a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and customer service in the Mid-Coast and Down East regions. They are a smaller, owner-operated company that offers personalized service and specializes in both residential and small commercial projects.
Evergreen Home & Solar, based in Belfast, offers a holistic approach to home energy, combining solar installation with energy efficiency upgrades. This makes them an excellent choice for homeowners looking to maximize their energy savings. They serve the entire Waldo County region and Down East areas like Steuben.
The home solar market in and around Steuben, Maine, is characterized by a small number of highly specialized, regional providers rather than large national chains. Due to Steuben's rural nature, the most active installers are based in hubs like Bangor, Belfast, and Searsport. Competition is moderate but high-quality, with established companies boasting strong reputations and longevity. These providers are well-versed in Maine's specific net energy billing (NEB) program, federal tax incentives, and the challenges of the local climate. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with national averages, generally ranging from $15,000 to $30,000+ before incentives, depending on system size and complexity. The focus is increasingly on systems that include battery storage to provide resilience during the region's not-uncommon power outages.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Steuben regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Steuben, 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 Maine's latitude, which helps snow slide off more easily. Furthermore, your system will be sized based on your annual usage, generating surplus power in the long, sunny summer months to create net metering credits with Central Maine Power (CMP) that offset your higher winter usage.
The average gross cost for a residential system in Maine ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives. Critically, Maine offers a strong state tax credit of up to $2,000, and you remain eligible for the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). Combined, these can reduce your net cost by roughly 40-50%. Additionally, Maine's net metering policy with CMP ensures you get full credit for excess power sent to the grid.
Steuben does not have a specific solar ordinance, so installations typically fall under the State of Maine's unified building and electrical codes, which are solar-friendly. You will need a building permit from the Steuben Town Office. The process is generally straightforward for rooftop systems, but if you're considering a ground-mounted array, you should verify there are no unique setback requirements on your specific property lot.
Look for providers with extensive local experience in Washington County, as they understand the specific coastal weather and grid interconnection process with CMP. Verify they are licensed Maine electrical contractors, insured, and offer strong warranties. Ask for references from recent installations in nearby towns like Milbridge or Cherryfield and confirm they handle the entire process, including Steuben permitting and CMP interconnection paperwork.
No, a standard grid-tied system will automatically shut off during a power outage for safety reasons. To have backup power, you must install a dedicated solar battery storage system (like a Tesla Powerwall or similar). This is a crucial consideration for Steuben homeowners. You can design your system with battery backup from the start or add it later, providing essential power to critical circuits during outages.