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The 30% federal tax credit is gone for homeowners. But one financing structure still unlocks ITC savings — and passes them directly to you. Here's the complete picture for Maine homeowners in 2026.
The One Big Beautiful Budget Act permanently ended the Section 25D residential solar tax credit on December 31, 2025. Maine homeowners who purchase solar with cash or a conventional loan in 2026 receive $0 from the IRS. This changes the math significantly — but does not make solar a bad decision. It changes which financing option is best.
Section 48E, the commercial solar investment tax credit, applies to systems owned by third parties (financing companies, lease companies). For projects where construction begins before July 4, 2026, the ITC is:
Based on an 8 kW system at $3.20/W = $25,600 gross cost in CMP territory. Propel price reflects 40% ITC via Silfab FEOC-compliant panels.
| Option | Upfront | Rate | Term | Own? | ITC Access | Payment | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Cash Purchase | $25,600 (8 kW) | N/A | N/A | None ($0) | $0/month | Max long-term savings, no debt | |
Efficiency Maine Loan | $0 | 0–5.99% | 10–15 yr | None ($0) | ~$130–$180/mo | Low-rate financing for energy efficiency | |
Solar Loan | $0 | 5–9% | 10–25 yr | None ($0) | ~$160–$220/mo | Homeowners with good credit | |
Propel (NuWatt) BEST VALUE | $0 | 8.99% | 25 yr | 30–40% via Sec 48E | ~$129/mo (8 kW) | Post-ITC best value — own your panels, ITC applied | |
Solar Lease | $0 | N/A | 20–25 yr | 30% via Sec 48 (to owner) | Fixed monthly (escalator) | Simplicity, no ownership responsibility | |
Power Purchase Agmt | $0 | N/A | 20–25 yr | 30% via Sec 48 (to owner) | Per kWh (may escalate) | Pay per kWh, no upfront risk | |
HELOC | $0 | 7–9% variable | 10–20 yr | None ($0) | ~$170–$240/mo | Homeowners with equity, flexible draw |
* Propel price based on 8 kW × $3.20/W = $25,600 gross → $15,360 after 40% ITC. Monthly payment ~$129 at 8.99% APR / 25 yr. Estimates only — exact quote required.
Propel is not a lease or PPA. It's a Concert Loan + Prepaid Energy Service Agreement — a structure specifically designed so that you own your panels, but still access the Section 48E ITC that cash buyers can no longer claim.
Silfab 440W FEOC-compliant panels manufactured in North America. Required for the 40% ITC (30% base + 10% domestic content bonus).
Concert Finance (third-party) holds the system briefly, claims the Section 48E ITC, and passes 100% of that tax savings to you as a lower system price. You're not sharing the credit — you're getting its full value.
Fixed 25-year loan at 8.99% APR. $0 down, $0 dealer fee. After the loan period, the system is entirely yours — adding ~$20,000+ to your home value.
Efficiency Maine Trust offers below-market-rate financing for home energy improvements. While these loans are best known for heat pumps and insulation, they're worth understanding as part of a whole-home energy strategy.
Best rate in the state. Very limited availability.
Primary Efficiency Maine loan product. Often used for heat pumps + insulation.
For whole-home electrification or larger scopes.
Important: Efficiency Maine loans do NOT provide access to any federal solar ITC — you receive $0 in tax credits. If ITC access matters to you, compare against Propel financing before deciding. Efficiency Maine loans work best for heat pumps and insulation, which have their own rebate programs.
Full Efficiency Maine Financing GuideCash buyers earn more in total over 25 years, but that requires $25,600 upfront with no ITC. Propel buyers start saving from day one with $0 down.
| Metric | Cash Purchase | Propel |
|---|---|---|
| System cost | $25,600 | $15,360 (after 40% ITC) |
| Upfront payment | $25,600 | $0 |
| Monthly loan payment | $0 | ~$129 |
| Estimated monthly savings (CMP) | ~$216 | ~$216 |
| Month 1 net cash flow | +$216 (after payback) | +$87 from day 1 |
| Year 1 net benefit | –$22,992 (cash out, savings start) | +$1,044 |
| 25-year total savings | ~$64,800 | ~$45,900 (after payments) |
| Owns system at year 25 | Yes | Yes |
| Home value increase | ~$20,000+ | ~$20,000+ |
Assumes 8 kW system, CMP territory, $0.27/kWh, 800 kWh/month production (summer peak). Rate escalation at 3%/year. Estimates only.
Answer these four questions to find your best path.
Do you have $25,000+ in savings to spend on solar?
Cash purchase maximizes 25-year savings — no interest, no payments.
Continue to next question.
Do you have a 660+ FICO score and want to own your panels?
Propel is your best option — $0 down, 40% ITC discount, ownership after loan.
Consider solar lease or PPA for $0 down with ITC benefit (but no ownership).
Do you qualify for Efficiency Maine income programs?
Explore 0% APR Efficiency Maine loans for heat pumps + combine with Propel for solar.
Compare Propel vs. standard solar loan based on rate offers.
Are you planning to move within 5 years?
Cash or lease may be simpler — Propel/loans can transfer to buyers but require coordination.
Long-term ownership (Propel or cash) maximizes your equity benefit.
The residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired permanently on December 31, 2025. Maine homeowners who purchase solar with cash or a conventional loan in 2026 receive $0 from the IRS. However, Section 48E — the commercial ITC — still applies to third-party-owned systems like Propel and solar leases, as long as construction begins before July 4, 2026.
Propel is a Concert Loan + Prepaid Energy Service Agreement (ESA) structure offered by NuWatt. A third-party entity (Concert Finance) briefly holds the system to claim the Section 48E ITC, then transfers ownership to you. The ITC savings (30–40% of system cost) are passed directly to you as a lower purchase price. You get $0 down, $0 dealer fee, 25-year fixed payments, and you own the system.
Both use third-party ownership to access the ITC. The key difference: with Propel, YOU own the system after the loan period (and can buy out early). With a solar lease, the company permanently owns your panels. Propel gives you fixed payments with no escalator, while leases often include 2–3% annual payment increases.
Efficiency Maine offers the Home Energy Loan for qualifying energy improvements including heat pumps, insulation, and weatherization. Rates range from 0% APR (income-eligible households) to 4.99% and 5.99% for larger projects. Note: this loan program focuses primarily on heat pumps and insulation — solar is less commonly financed through Efficiency Maine's direct loan program.
Yes. A Home Equity Line of Credit can finance solar installation, and the interest may be tax-deductible if used for home improvement. However, HELOCs put your home as collateral, rates are variable (currently 7–9% APR), and you receive no ITC benefit. Compare the total cost carefully against Propel before choosing.
Yes — especially with CMP rates rising significantly and Versant rates among the highest in New England. An 8 kW system offsets $200–$250/month in electricity. With Propel's $0 down and 40% ITC-backed pricing, monthly savings can exceed loan payments from day one.
Propel requires a minimum FICO score of 660 (TransUnion). The initial prequalification is a soft inquiry — it will NOT affect your credit score. A hard inquiry only happens if you proceed with the full application.
Yes. Maine's Net Energy Billing (NEB) program credits rooftop solar at the full 1:1 retail rate. Credits roll over monthly and are trued up annually at avoided cost. This is one of the best net metering policies in New England and makes solar economics particularly strong in Maine.
Get a free, no-obligation quote in 60 seconds. Soft credit check only — won't affect your score. See your exact Propel payment and estimated savings.
Propel available in Maine CMP and Versant territories. 660+ FICO required. Section 48E construction start deadline: July 4, 2026.
