Loading NuWatt Energy...
We use your location to provide localized solar offers and incentives.
We serve MA, NH, CT, RI, ME, VT, NJ, PA, and TX
Loading NuWatt Energy...
NuWatt designs, installs, and manages solar, battery, heat pump, and EV charger systems across 9 states. One company, one warranty, one point of contact.
Get a Free QuoteMaine has two utilities — and CMP customers pay significantly more per kWh. Higher rates mean faster solar payback, but both territories offer strong solar economics with net energy billing.
CMP
$0.22-$0.28/kWh
~80% of Maine
Versant
$0.18-$0.22/kWh
~20% of Maine
Your utility is determined by your address. CMP serves about 80% of Maine; Versant serves the remaining 20% in the north and east.
Avangrid / Iberdrola subsidiary
Southern, central, and western Maine — approximately 80% of the state
Retail Rate
$0.22-$0.28
/kWh
Customers
~650,000
~80% of state
Largest Maine utility. Has faced legislative scrutiny for rate increases and service quality. Iberdrola subsidiary.
Formerly Emera Maine — acquired by ENMAX (2020)
Northern and eastern Maine — Bangor Hydro District + Maine Public District
Retail Rate
$0.18-$0.22
/kWh
Customers
~165,000
~20% of state
Two divisions: Bangor Hydro District (Bangor region) and Maine Public District (Aroostook County, Downeast). Lower rates than CMP.
Maine replaced traditional net metering with net energy billing (NEB). Here is how solar credits actually work for both CMP and Versant customers.
| Factor | CMP | Versant |
|---|---|---|
| Retail rate | $0.22-0.28/kWh | $0.18-0.22/kWh |
| NEB credit type | Volumetric | Volumetric |
| Max system size | 660 kW | 660 kW |
| Interconnection | 2-6 weeks | 2-4 weeks |
| Application | Online portal | Email/portal |
| Fee (residential) | $0 | $0 |
| Community solar | Yes | Yes |
| 8kW payback (est.) | 7-9 years | 9-12 years |
CMP customers save more per solar kWh due to higher rates, but solar works well in both territories. Here is an 8 kW system comparison.
No Federal Residential Tax Credit
Section 25D expired December 31, 2025. All payback calculations above reflect $0 federal tax credit. Solar leases/PPAs may still leverage the Section 48/48E commercial ITC (30%) — July 4, 2026 was the begin-construction safe harbor, and new starts still qualify if placed in service by December 31, 2027 — but that credit goes to the financing company.
Maine's rural landscape, dense forests, and severe weather make battery backup a near-necessity for many homes — especially in Versant territory and inland CMP areas.
Many rural Maine homes rely on well water. A power outage means no water for drinking, cooking, or flushing. Battery backup keeps the well pump running through multi-day outages.
Northern Maine can reach -30F or colder. Extended winter outages risk frozen and burst pipes — a repair that can cost $10,000-$25,000. Battery backup keeps heat pumps or electric baseboard heat running.
Maine is 89% forested — the most forested state in the US. Tree-related outages from ice storms, wind events, and nor'easters can last 3-7 days in rural areas. Solar + battery provides true energy independence.
| Battery | Capacity | Installed Cost | Backup Runtime |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Powerwall 3 | 13.5 kWh | $12,000-$14,000 | 8-12 hours |
| Enphase IQ 5P (x3) | 15.0 kWh | $14,000-$17,000 | 10-14 hours |
| Franklin WH aPower2 | 13.6 kWh | $11,000-$13,000 | 8-12 hours |
| SolarEdge Home Battery | 9.7 kWh | $9,000-$11,000 | 6-8 hours |
No Maine state battery rebate exists as of 2026. Prices are installed. Backup runtime assumes essential loads (refrigerator, lights, well pump, router) with periodic cycling.
While there is no direct state solar rebate, Efficiency Maine offers substantial incentives for technologies that pair well with solar.
$1,000-$2,000+ per unit for qualifying cold-climate heat pumps. Income-eligible customers may receive up to $4,000. Pair with solar to eliminate heating oil costs.
$850+ rebate for qualifying heat pump water heaters. Cuts water heating costs by 50-65% — even more when powered by solar.
Free or reduced-cost home energy assessment through Efficiency Maine. Identifies insulation gaps, air leaks, and efficiency opportunities.
Up to 80% of insulation costs covered for income-eligible households. Better insulation reduces heating loads and optimizes solar investment.
Maine exempts solar equipment from property taxes statewide (Title 36, Section 656). No town vote required — this is automatic.
The federal Section 30C residential EV charger credit expired June 30, 2026, but Efficiency Maine EV charger rebates and off-peak EV rates still apply. Add a Level 2 charger powered by your solar panels.
Cannot install rooftop solar? Community solar lets you subscribe to a share of a solar farm and receive bill credits — no installation, no upfront cost.
| Factor | Rooftop | Community |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $20K-$30K | $0 |
| Savings potential | 60-100% | 10-15% |
| Backup power | With battery | No |
| Home ownership | Required | Not required |
| Roof condition | Must be good | N/A |
| Home value boost | Yes | No |
CMP interconnection has been criticized for delays, but the process has improved. Here is what to expect with each utility.
Whether you are in CMP or Versant territory, we design systems optimized for your utility's rates and net energy billing structure.
Detailed rate comparison with NEB credit calculations by utility.
Read moreComplete guide to net energy billing, credit structures, and system limits.
Read moreAll available rebates for heat pumps, insulation, and efficiency upgrades.
Read moreBattery sizing and backup planning for Maine weather events.
Read moreHow to subscribe, expected savings, and project availability by utility.
Read moreCash, loan, lease, and PPA options after the federal tax credit expiration.
Read moreCMP rate schedules: Central Maine Power standard offer and delivery rates — effective January 2026.
Versant Power rate schedules: Bangor Hydro District and Maine Public District tariffs — effective January 2026.
Net energy billing: LD 1711, Maine PUC Chapter 313 rules.
Efficiency Maine: efficiencymaine.com, rebate schedules effective January 2026.
Property tax exemption: Title 36, Section 656, Maine Revenue Services.
Section 25D residential solar tax credit: expired December 31, 2025.
Section 48/48E commercial ITC: active; July 4, 2026 was the begin-construction safe harbor, and new starts still qualify if placed in service by December 31, 2027.