THE PINE TREE STATE GOES SOLAR
Why go solar in Maine
Maine has a growing solar market with ~486MW of total installed capacity already under their belt! Legislation passed in 2019 requires 80% of electricity to be produced from renewable sources by 2030. They have also set a goal to produce 100% by 2050. Maine utilities also offer net energy metering providing credits for monthly net excess generation. This means that solar customers in Maine can get paid for the energy they produce! Going solar in ME is a great choice for anyone looking to save money on energy. Not only does ME legislation encourage it, but there are incentives available right now to help you make the decision. Solar can also keep you running in case power outages happen and it helps you maintain predictable payments.
Save on energy
Many homeowners decide to go solar because of potential savings. If you are on a time of use (TOU) plan, your energy rates vary according to what time you are powering your home. With a solar system, you can avoid using energy from the grid during the day. With batteries, you can run off excess solar energy at night. Depending on how much energy your system produces and how much energy you use, you may not need any power from the grid.
Be prepared for outages
Many homeowners report power outages as a key driver for going solar. Power outages, planned or not, can be a nuisance, especially in the winter or summer when you need power the most. With a battery-equipped system you can still have power to keep your home running. We have many options, so talk to your dealer about what batteries suit your system and lifestyle.
Preserve Maine’s outdoors
Maine is home to many lakes, ponds, falls, and millions of acres of protected wilderness. From Acadia to the Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine homeowners are lucky to live in a beautiful state. With many outdoor activities to enjoy, the importance of preserving the outdoors is more imperative than ever. Many homeowners go solar for this very reason. A solar system helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution. It also reduces your reliance on fossil fuels, something that may be cut soon according to the state legislature.
Have predictable payments
TOU billing makes your monthly energy bill more difficult than it should be. Even if you use the same energy each month, your bill may change according to what time you used that energy. With a solar system, you may be able to save money depending on how much energy you use. Most importantly, your monthly bills may become easier to predict. Your system may help you avoid high TOU rates, and with batteries, you can potentially avoid using energy from the grid.
Invest in your home**
If you ask your neighbors, some of them have already gone solar to build equity. Going solar may add value to your home and may help it sell faster. The average Maine home is currently valued at approximately $321,100 that is a 3.5% annual increase from last year. Keep up with the rising home values, especially if you want to sell in the future.
Solar incentives in Maine**
Depending on your utility company, you may be eligible for solar incentives and programs.
Maine homeowners are eligible for Net Metering (NEM). NEM allows you to earn credits on your utility bill for excess power generated. Credits are earned for excess power that are reflected on your monthly utility bill and roll over month to month.
Solar panels perform in all kinds of weather
Going solar is a big decision, and although there are many factors you should consider, local weather shouldn’t be a deterrent. Solar panels are designed to work in almost any type of weather… even snow and clouds!
Sunny
There are sunny days ahead for solar. The more sun you have access to, the longer your panels work during the day. Your panels work best at converting energy when sun rays shine directly at them. The more energy you produce, the more excess you may be able to send back to the grid. Take advantage of the excess through net metering and other incentive programs.
Rainy
As the rain pours down, your panels will continue to be hard at work. Solar panels will work with reflected or partially blocked sun rays to keep your home powered. Your production is linked to the amount of clouds. Rain will have some effect on your production, but the rays will still penetrate through the rain. It may actually help keep your panels working efficiently as they wash away any dust or dirt.
Cloudy
It is a misconception that panels don’t work on cloudy days. The best way to know how much the clouds affect your system’s performance is to monitor your system on sunny days and compare. Your system may actually be more efficient without the excess heat. This is because solar systems prefer the cold! The sun’s rays are still able to penetrate through cloudy skies and keep your system running.
Snowy
Amazingly enough, even when covered in snow a solar system can still produce power! Scattered light filters through snow and reaches solar panels even when the snow cover is fairly heavy. Your solar panels may actual be more efficient in light snow. Cold weather helps them perform better, and usually snow slides right off. Power production may be reduced with heavier snowfall, but your system can still produce.
Windy
Solar panels are highly reliable and sturdy, they hardly notice your average winds. In most cases, damage from wind will be due to weakened roofs, not solar panels. This is why we assess your roof condition and recommend any repairs prior to installing your system. In the event that higher winds cause an outage in the grid, you will still have power if you have batteries with your system.
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*Customers are encouraged to check with their local utility providers for the most up to date and accurate information regarding solar incentives and programs available
**This information is current as of May 5, 2021 and figures are only approximations. We advise you to consult with the appropriate professionals (including, but not limited to, your solicitor or attorney, accountant, CPA, CGA, or any other financial or legal advisor) for the implications of any information contained in our website and in any link you access through our website.
***You should contact a qualified tax expert and consult with them. Neither Freedom Forever’s family of independent authorized dealers nor Freedom Forever itself can give you tax advice. A qualified tax professional will understand your situation and be able to give you the most relevant advice.
