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#11 Solar ROI State

Solar Panel ROI in Maine (ME)

Maine averages 1,200 kWh per installed kW per year. At $24.8¢/kWh average utility rates, a 7 kW system produces a 25-year NPV of $20,868.

$14,210
System Cost (After Credits)
$20,868
25-Year NPV
7 years
Payback Period
$0.174/kWh
Solar LCOE

Solar Cost Breakdown in Maine

7 kW system (2.90/W)$20,300
Federal ITC (30%)-$6,090
Net Cost$14,210

Solar Production in Maine

Maine receives an average of 1,200 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year, based on NREL PVWatts data for a south-facing system at 20° tilt. A 7 kW system produces approximately 8,400 kWh in year one, declining by 0.5% annually due to panel degradation.

At Maine's average residential rate of $24.8¢/kWh with 4% annual escalation, first-year savings are $2,083. The solar LCOE of $0.174/kWh is 30% below the current utility rate and stays fixed while utility rates continue to climb.

Net Metering in Maine

Net energy billing with monthly credits at retail rate

Solar FAQ for Maine

How much does solar cost in Maine?
A typical 7 kW residential solar system in Maine costs $20,300 before incentives. After the 30% federal ITC, the net cost drops to $14,210.
What is the solar payback period in Maine?
Based on the average ME utility rate of $24.8¢/kWh and local solar irradiance of 1,200 kWh/kW/year, a 7 kW system typically pays for itself in 7 years. The 25-year NPV is $20,868.
Does Maine have net metering?
Net energy billing with monthly credits at retail rate
What is the LCOE of solar in Maine?
The levelized cost of solar energy in Maine is approximately $0.174/kWh, compared to the current average utility rate of $24.8¢/kWh. Solar electricity costs 30% less than grid electricity at today's rates, and the gap widens as utility rates rise.
How much electricity does a solar panel produce in Maine?
Maine receives approximately 1,200 kWh of solar energy per installed kW per year. A 7 kW system produces about 8,400 kWh in its first year, enough to offset 80% of the average U.S. household's electricity consumption.

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Solar ROI in Similar States

New York

NPV: $20,948 · Payback: 6yr
Rate: $22.2¢/kWh · #3 ranked

Massachusetts

NPV: $27,033 · Payback: 6yr
Rate: $28.2¢/kWh · #4 ranked

Arizona

NPV: $14,954 · Payback: 8yr
Rate: $13.2¢/kWh · #5 ranked

Nevada

NPV: $12,806 · Payback: 8yr
Rate: $13.2¢/kWh · #6 ranked

Connecticut

NPV: $24,321 · Payback: 7yr
Rate: $27.2¢/kWh · #7 ranked

New Jersey

NPV: $12,340 · Payback: 9yr
Rate: $18.2¢/kWh · #8 ranked

Get Your Maine Solar Analysis

These are averages. Your ROI depends on your specific utility, consumption, roof, and system size. Run a personalized 25-year NPV analysis — free.

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