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Cape Elizabeth solar costs $2.90-$3.20/W in 2026, averaging $27,450 for a 9 kW system. CMP provides 1:1 NEB credits at $0.27/kWh, generating ~$2,916/year. No federal 25D ITC. Property tax 100% exempt. Coastal zone rated. Payback: ~15-16 years (cash) or day-1 savings (PPA).
$3.05/W
Avg Cost
$27,450
9 kW System
$0.27
CMP Rate (/kWh)
$2,916
NEB/Year
~15 yr
Payback
Cape Elizabeth solar installation costs $2.90-$3.20 per watt in 2026. As an affluent coastal suburb just south of Portland, Cape Elizabeth commands slightly higher pricing than inland communities due to marine-grade equipment requirements for ocean-facing properties and the premium housing market.
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Solar panels (9 kW) | $9,900-$11,200 |
| Inverter(s) | $2,500-$4,000 |
| Mounting and racking | $2,200-$3,200 |
| Electrical work and wiring | $2,500-$3,500 |
| Permitting and interconnection | $500-$900 |
| Labor and installation | $5,000-$7,000 |
| Design, engineering, overhead | $3,200-$4,500 |
| Total (before incentives) | $26,100-$28,800 |
The Section 25D residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025. Cape Elizabeth homeowners pay the full system cost with $0 federal tax credit in 2026.
100% property tax exemption statewide. Especially valuable in Cape Elizabeth with its high property tax rate (~$22/$1,000). Sales tax exemption is unverified.
Cape Elizabeth homes tend to be larger with excellent roof area. Many properties along Shore Road, Ocean House Road, and the Two Lights area have south-facing ocean exposure ideal for solar. Typical systems range from 8-12 kW.
| System Size | Panels | Cost Range | Annual NEB | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | 11-12 | $14,500-$16,000 | $1,350 | ~15 yr |
| 8 kW | 18-19 | $23,200-$25,600 | $2,160 | ~15 yr |
| 9 kW | 20-21 | $26,100-$28,800 | $2,916 | ~15-16 yr |
| 12 kW | 27-28 | $34,800-$38,400 | $3,888 | ~14-15 yr |
* 9 kW highlighted as the Cape Elizabeth average. All costs before incentives. NEB based on CMP $0.27/kWh.
10,800
kWh/year (9 kW system)
$2,916
Annual NEB credits
~15 yrs
Payback (cash purchase)
System cost: $27,450
Year 1 NEB value: $2,916
Rate increase (est): 4-5%/year
Payback (cash): ~15-16 years
25-year savings: $50,000-$75,000+
ROI after 25 years: 90-170%
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 Cape Elizabeth 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.
Cape Elizabeth's high home values and long-term residents make Propel Solar a perfect match. $0 down, a fixed monthly payment lower than your CMP bill, and full ownership by year 5. No need to tie up $27,000+ in cash.
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: $27,450 upfront, 15-16 year payback, $0 federal credit.
Propel: $0 down, save from day 1, own by year 5, 30% built-in discount.
Cape Elizabeth is an affluent coastal suburb of approximately 9,500 residents, known for its stunning ocean views, Two Lights State Park, Portland Head Light, and top-rated schools. High property values and strong community engagement make it an ideal market for residential solar — homeowners here think long-term.
$27,450
$0 Down
$0 Down
Compare all options in our Maine Cash vs Loan vs Lease Guide.
All Portland-area communities near Cape Elizabeth are in CMP territory with the same rates and NEB credits. Solar costs are similar across the region.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
Adjacent city. Same CMP territory with slightly lower install costs.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
Fast-growing suburb with newer housing stock and fast permits.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
Largest city in Maine. Strong installer market with competitive pricing.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
Affluent suburb north of Portland with similar home values.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
Southern coastal city with revitalized mill district solar potential.
Cape Elizabeth has a straightforward permitting process for residential solar with online applications accepted and no historic district overlay to navigate.
Building permit
Required. Combined building/electrical permit — no separate electrical permit needed.
Processing time
~10 business days typical for residential systems.
Online applications
Cape Elizabeth accepts online permit applications.
CMP interconnection
Application filed by installer. Approval 2-4 weeks.
No historic district
No historic district overlay — no design review required.
Coastal zone
Shore Road and Two Lights area properties may need marine-grade equipment. Installer handles assessment during site survey.
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
Scarborough Solar
$2.80-$3.10/W
Biddeford Solar
$2.95-$3.19/W
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