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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 QuoteNot all solar quotes are created equal — especially in Maine. Rate assumptions, net metering calculations, contractor licensing, and snow load assessments are Maine-specific details that many out-of-state companies get wrong. Check these 5 things before you sign anything.
CMP vs. Versant: Correct Rate Assumption
Net Metering at 1:1 — Verified
Contractor MUBEC License and Insurance
Efficiency Maine Participation
Snow Load Structural Assessment
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“What electric rate does your savings projection use, and where did that number come from?”
Your utility rate is the single most important variable in solar savings calculations. CMP charges approximately $0.27/kWh. Versant charges approximately $0.32/kWh. If an installer uses the wrong utility or inflates your rate, every savings number in the proposal is wrong.
Pro Tip: Pull your last 12 months of CMP/Versant bills. Calculate your actual average rate by dividing total dollars paid by total kWh consumed. Compare this to the rate in the quote.
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“Does your savings model assume 1:1 Net Energy Billing, and will you handle the NEB enrollment?”
Maine rooftop solar receives 1:1 retail rate credits through Net Energy Billing (NEB). This is one of the most valuable net metering policies in New England. LD 1777 changed community solar compensation but did NOT affect rooftop NEB. Some out-of-state companies may be confused about this.
Pro Tip: After installation, verify your CMP or Versant bill shows NEB credits appearing correctly. It should show kWh exported and the corresponding credit at your retail rate.
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“What is your Maine electrician license number, and do you carry workers comp and liability insurance?”
Maine requires solar installers to hold a valid electrician license. The Maine Uniform Building and Energy Code (MUBEC) sets standards for solar installations. Unlicensed installers can void your home insurance, create safety hazards, and leave you with no recourse if something goes wrong.
Pro Tip: Verify the license at the Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (OPOR): 207-624-8603 or online at pfr.maine.gov. Ask for at least 5 Maine-specific references and call them.
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“Are you an Efficiency Maine registered contractor? If not, why not?”
Efficiency Maine does not offer solar rebates, but being a registered Efficiency Maine contractor signals quality. These contractors have met training requirements, carry proper insurance, and are accountable to the Efficiency Maine Trust. If a customer also installs heat pumps, using an EM-registered contractor streamlines the entire process.
Pro Tip: If you are considering heat pumps too, using an Efficiency Maine registered contractor who also does solar can simplify the entire project and potentially save on bundled pricing.
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“Does your proposal include a structural assessment for Maine snow loads, and what is the design load?”
Maine snow loads range from 40 psf (southern coast) to 100+ psf (Aroostook County). Solar panels add 3-4 psf dead load. Combined with potential snow accumulation, your roof must be structurally adequate. Older Maine homes (pre-1980) often have marginal roof framing that may need reinforcement. Skipping this assessment is not just a shortcut — it is a safety hazard.
Pro Tip: Look up your town's ground snow load in the MUBEC appendix or ask your local building department. Southern Maine is typically 50-60 psf ground load. Northern Maine can exceed 100 psf. The roof design load factors in slope and exposure.
The residential solar ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. If a Maine solar quote in 2026 shows a line item deducting 30% as a "federal tax credit" that you will claim on your personal taxes, that quote is wrong.
The only legitimate 2026 tax credit reference in a solar quote is Section 48/48E, which applies to third-party system owners (lease, PPA, or Propel financing). The credit goes to the financing company, not to you. The benefit is passed to you as a lower system price.
If a quote shows a 30% credit going directly to you (the homeowner) on a cash or conventional loan purchase, walk away. That company is either uninformed or dishonest.
Use this reference to evaluate whether a quote is in the normal range for Maine.
| Metric | Normal Range | Suspicious If... |
|---|---|---|
| Price per watt | $2.91-$3.19/W | Below $2.50 or above $3.50 |
| 8 kW system total | $23,280-$25,520 | Below $20K or above $28K |
| Production per kW | 1,100-1,250 kWh/yr | Above 1,300 kWh/yr |
| CMP rate assumption | $0.26-$0.28/kWh | Above $0.32 for CMP territory |
| Versant rate assumption | $0.30-$0.34/kWh | Above $0.38 for Versant |
| Rate escalation/yr | 2-3% | Above 5% |
| Federal tax credit | $0 (residential) | Shows any residential ITC |
| Payback period (cash) | 13-17 years | Below 10 years (with no ITC) |
NuWatt provides transparent, honest quotes with no hidden fees. We will show you exactly how every number is calculated.