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Scarborough solar costs $2.80-$3.10/W in 2026, averaging $26,550 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. Fast 7-day permits. Payback: ~15 years (cash) or day-1 savings (PPA).
$2.95/W
Avg Cost
$26,550
9 kW System
$0.27
CMP Rate (/kWh)
$2,916
NEB/Year
~15 yr
Payback
Scarborough solar installation costs $2.80-$3.10 per watt in 2026. As one of Maine's fastest-growing suburbs just south of Portland, Scarborough benefits from the strong Portland installer market while offering newer housing stock that is often solar-ready with modern electrical panels and strong roofs.
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Solar panels (9 kW) | $9,000-$10,800 |
| Inverter(s) | $2,500-$4,000 |
| Mounting and racking | $2,000-$3,000 |
| Electrical work and wiring | $2,500-$3,500 |
| Permitting and interconnection | $400-$800 |
| Labor and installation | $4,800-$6,500 |
| Design, engineering, overhead | $3,000-$4,200 |
| Total (before incentives) | $25,200-$27,900 |
The Section 25D residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025. Scarborough 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.
Scarborough has a diverse mix of newer suburban developments and established neighborhoods. Many homes in the Dunstan, Pleasant Hill, and Oak Hill areas feature larger roofs ideal for 9-12 kW systems. Condos and smaller homes near Higgins Beach may fit 5-8 kW.
| System Size | Panels | Cost Range | Annual NEB | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | 11-12 | $14,000-$15,500 | $1,350 | ~15 yr |
| 8 kW | 18-19 | $22,400-$24,800 | $2,160 | ~15 yr |
| 9 kW | 20-21 | $25,200-$27,900 | $2,916 | ~15 yr |
| 12 kW | 27-28 | $33,600-$37,200 | $3,888 | ~14 yr |
* 9 kW highlighted as the Scarborough 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: $26,550
Year 1 NEB value: $2,916
Rate increase (est): 4-5%/year
Payback (cash): ~15 years
25-year savings: $55,000-$80,000+
ROI after 25 years: 110-200%
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 Scarborough 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.
With Scarborough's newer housing stock and competitive pricing, Propel Solar is an ideal fit. $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: $26,550 upfront, ~15 year payback, $0 federal credit.
Propel: $0 down, save from day 1, own by year 5, 30% built-in discount.
Scarborough, South Portland, Cape Elizabeth, Portland, Gorham, Old Orchard Beach, Biddeford — all CMP territory.
Scarborough is a fast-growing Portland suburb of approximately 22,000 residents, consistently ranked among Maine's most desirable communities. With a mix of newer subdivisions, established neighborhoods, and rural areas, Scarborough offers excellent solar potential across its diverse housing stock.
$26,550
$0 Down
$0 Down
Compare all options in our Maine Cash vs Loan vs Lease Guide.
All Portland-area communities near Scarborough are in CMP territory with the same rates and NEB credits. Solar costs are similar across the region.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
CMP territory. Adjacent to Scarborough with same solar pricing.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
Affluent coastal suburb. Slightly higher costs due to coastal requirements.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
Largest city in Maine. Strong installer market with competitive pricing.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
CMP territory. Inland suburb with fast permits and large lots.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
CMP territory. Seasonal beach community with year-round solar potential.
Scarborough has one of the fastest and simplest permitting processes in southern Maine. No historic district overlay, online applications accepted, and a single combined building/electrical permit.
Building permit
Required. Combined building/electrical permit — no separate electrical permit needed.
Processing time
~7 business days typical for residential systems.
Online applications
Scarborough 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 for solar installations.
Marshland setbacks
Properties near Scarborough Marsh may need setback compliance. Most residential neighborhoods are unaffected.
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
Cape Elizabeth Solar
$2.90-$3.20/W
Biddeford Solar
$2.95-$3.19/W
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