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Augusta solar costs $2.91-$3.10/W in 2026, averaging $25,543 for an 8.5 kW system. CMP provides 1:1 NEB credits at $0.27/kWh, generating ~$2,295/year. No federal 25D ITC. Property tax 100% exempt. Sales tax status under review. Payback: ~15-16 years (cash) or day-1 savings (PPA).
$3.00/W
Avg Cost
$25,543
8.5 kW System
$0.27
CMP Rate (/kWh)
$2,295
NEB/Year
~15 yr
Payback
Augusta solar installation costs $2.91-$3.10 per watt in 2026. As the state capital, Augusta sees slightly lower pricing than coastal Portland due to reduced logistics costs and strong installer availability in the Kennebec Valley.
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Solar panels (8.5 kW) | $8,500-$10,200 |
| Inverter(s) | $2,200-$3,500 |
| Mounting and racking | $1,800-$2,800 |
| Electrical work and wiring | $2,200-$3,200 |
| Permitting and interconnection | $500-$900 |
| Labor and installation | $4,500-$6,500 |
| Design, engineering, overhead | $2,800-$4,000 |
| Total (before incentives) | $24,735-$26,350 |
The Section 25D residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025. Augusta homeowners pay the full system cost with $0 federal tax credit in 2026.
100% property tax exemption statewide (solar adds no property tax). Sales tax exemption is unverified — verify with your installer.
Augusta homes are generally smaller than those in Portland or coastal communities. The average system size is 8.5 kW, but options range from 5 kW for smaller homes to 12 kW for larger properties.
| System Size | Panels | Cost Range | Annual NEB | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | 11-12 | $14,550-$15,500 | $1,350 | ~15 yr |
| 8 kW | 18-19 | $23,280-$24,800 | $2,160 | ~15 yr |
| 8.5 kW | 19-20 | $24,735-$26,350 | $2,295 | ~15-16 yr |
| 12 kW | 27-28 | $34,920-$37,200 | $3,240 | ~15 yr |
* 8.5 kW highlighted as the Augusta average. All costs before incentives. NEB based on CMP $0.27/kWh.
10,200
kWh/year (8.5 kW system)
$2,295
Annual NEB credits
~15 yrs
Payback (cash purchase)
System cost: $25,543
Year 1 NEB value: $2,295
Rate increase (est): 4-5%/year
Payback (cash): ~15-16 years
25-year savings: $45,000-$65,000+
ROI after 25 years: 80-155%
NuWatt's Propel financing offers $0 down with a fixed monthly payment lower than your CMP bill. Unlike a lease, you own the panels by year 5. See if you qualify at /maine/propel-solar
Maine's Net Energy Billing program gives Augusta homeowners 1:1 retail-rate credits for every kilowatt-hour of solar electricity exported to the CMP grid. This is one of the most favorable net metering policies in New England.
Learn more about Maine's net metering in our Maine NEB Guide.
The 15-16 year payback on a cash purchase is too long for many Augusta homeowners. Propel Solar solves this — $0 down, a fixed monthly payment lower than your CMP bill, and full ownership by year 5.
A third-party owner installs solar on your roof and captures the 30% Section 48 ITC — a credit no longer available to homeowner purchases.
Your monthly solar payment is fixed and lower than your average CMP bill. No escalators. Predictable costs while CMP rates keep rising.
Full ownership transfers to you at year 5. American-made Silfab 440W panels. Free maintenance during the lease period.
Cash purchase: $25,543 upfront, 15-16 year payback, $0 federal credit.
Propel: $0 down, save from day 1, own by year 5, 30% built-in discount.
Augusta is Maine's state capital and the center of government in the Kennebec Valley. With a population of approximately 18,700, it features a mix of historic homes, government buildings, and suburban neighborhoods — many with excellent solar potential.
$25,543
$0 Down
$0 Down
Compare all options in our Maine Cash vs Loan vs Lease Guide.
All Kennebec Valley communities are in CMP territory with the same rates and NEB credits. Solar costs are similar across the Augusta metro area.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
Adjacent to Augusta. Same CMP territory and NEB credits.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
CMP territory. Historic downtown with growing solar adoption.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
CMP territory. Lake community with suburban homes.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
CMP territory. Colby College area with strong solar potential.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
CMP territory. Adjacent to Waterville with similar pricing.
Augusta has a straightforward permitting process for residential solar. Your installer handles all paperwork as part of the installation.
Building permit
Required. Covers structural and roof modifications.
Electrical permit
Required. Covers inverter and panel wiring.
Processing time
2-3 weeks typical for residential systems.
CMP interconnection
Application filed by installer. Approval 2-4 weeks.
Historic areas
Properties near the State House or Capitol Park may require additional design review.
Maine Solar Hub
Complete Maine solar guide
Maine Solar Costs
Statewide cost data
Solar Without ITC
Post-25D strategies
NEB Guide
Net Energy Billing explained
Cash vs Loan vs Lease
Financing compared
Portland Solar
$2.95-$3.19/W
Bangor Solar
Versant territory
Lewiston Solar
$2.91-$3.12/W
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