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Your complete resource hub for heat pumps, solar, and energy savings in Maine. Over 100,000 heat pumps installed statewide. Efficiency Maine rebates up to $3,000 per unit for low-income households. With 60%+ of homes heating with oil at $3.82/gal, Maine homeowners stand to save the most from switching to heat pumps in all of New England.
2026 Update: The federal 25C heat pump tax credit and 25D solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025. Efficiency Maine rebates ($1,000-$3,000/unit) are the primary heat pump incentive. Solar still works via NEB credits, property/sales tax exemptions, and third-party Section 48 ITC through leases/PPAs.
100K+
Heat pumps installed
$3.82
Oil price per gallon
$3,000
Max rebate per unit (low-income)
60%+
Homes heating with oil
Everything Maine homeowners need to know about heat pumps in 2026 — Efficiency Maine rebates, costs by system type, cold climate performance in Zone 5/6, oil and propane conversion analysis, CMP vs Versant rate impact, and choosing the right installer.
$1,000/unit standard, $2,000 moderate-income, $3,000 low-income. Max 3 units through Efficiency Maine Trust.
Read guideSingle zone $3,500-$6,500, multi-zone $8,000-$18,000, ducted $12,000-$24,000. Net cost after Efficiency Maine rebates.
Read guideZone 5 south (-1F Portland) to Zone 6 north (-18F Caribou). Model comparison for Maine winters.
Read guide60%+ of Maine homes heat with oil at $3.82/gal. Annual savings ~$1,590 (CMP) or ~$1,320 (Versant).
Read guidePropane at $3.38/gal vs heat pump operating costs. Side-by-side annual comparison.
Read guideEfficiency Maine registered installer requirements, Manual J sizing, and 10-point checklist.
Read guideLow-income $3,000/unit from Efficiency Maine. Income tiers, eligibility, and application process.
Read guideCMP ~$0.27/kWh (70% of state) vs Versant ~$0.32/kWh (30%). Impact on heat pump economics.
Read guideEverything about going solar in Maine — net energy billing, tax benefits, community solar, CMP vs Versant rate comparison, and how to make solar work in the post-ITC era. Pair solar with a heat pump to offset your electricity costs.
The only $0-down option where you own your panels AND get the tax credit benefit built into your pricing. Fixed payment 25% less than your CMP bill.
Learn about Propel SolarEvery ME solar incentive: 1:1 NEB, property tax exemption, Section 48 pathway. Honest payback math.
Read guideComplete overview of going solar in Maine. Post-ITC reality, net energy billing, and state incentives.
Read guideAverage costs by city: Portland, Bangor, Lewiston, Augusta. Pricing trends and payback analysis.
Read guide25D is dead. PPA/lease still access Section 48 through the financing company. How to go solar without ITC.
Read guideMaine uses Net Energy Billing (NEB). 1:1 retail credit for residential systems up to 25 kW.
Read guideProperty tax exemption for solar equipment (100% statewide). Sales tax 5.5% exempt on solar.
Read guidePost-ITC financing options. Which ownership model works best in Maine without the federal tax credit?
Read guideSide-by-side utility comparison for solar customers. Rate structures and net energy billing differences.
Read guideCommunity solar farms in Maine. No rooftop needed. Bill credit programs and subscriber options.
Read guidePros and cons of each approach. When community solar beats rooftop and vice versa in Maine.
Read guideSection 48 ITC still available for commercial. 30% + bonus adders. MACRS 20% bonus in 2026.
Read guidePair solar with a heat pump to offset electricity costs. Bundle strategy for Maine homeowners.
Read guideTop-rated installers, what to look for, pricing comparison, and red flags to avoid.
Read guideHow tariffs affect panel pricing in Maine. FEOC-compliant manufacturers and what it means for your quote.
Read guideThird-party ownership explained. How Section 48 ITC flows to you through leases and PPAs.
Read guideThe commercial ITC is still alive. How third-party ownership lets you access it through leases and PPAs.
Read guideLow-income solar options in Maine. Community solar discounts, Efficiency Maine income-eligible programs.
Read guideStorage, electric vehicle charging, and electrification bundles for Maine homeowners.
Deep dives into Efficiency Maine Trust programs — financing, audits, insulation rebates, water heater rebates, and income-eligible options.
Complete overview of all Efficiency Maine Trust programs — heat pumps, insulation, weatherization, and financing.
Read guideLow-interest loans, on-bill financing, and payment options for energy efficiency upgrades.
Read guideWhat to expect from an Efficiency Maine home energy audit. Recommendations, costs, and next steps.
Read guideEfficiency Maine insulation rebates for attic, wall, and basement. Costs, requirements, and how to apply.
Read guideEfficiency Maine rebates for heat pump water heaters. Qualifying models, savings vs tank, and installation.
Read guideTrack Maine electricity rates, CMP and Versant rate changes, and discover how solar locks in your cost.
CMP vs Versant: rate history, seasonal spikes, and how solar locks in your cost.
View rate trendsCentral Maine Power rate hike details, impact on your bill, and how to protect yourself.
Read analysisLive CMP rate tracking — supply, delivery, and total cost per kWh. Updated as rates change.
Track ratesVersant Power rate hike details for northern Maine. Impact analysis and alternatives.
Read analysisHead-to-head: NEB credits, rate structures, and which utility territory saves more with solar.
Compare utilitiesLive rates for CMP ($0.27/kWh) and Versant ($0.32/kWh). Updated monthly.
View ratesElectricity rates jumped 22-42% across 9 states. See the data and learn how to lock in your cost.
Read analysisSolar economics vary by utility territory, permitting, and local conditions. Find your city for exact pricing, payback period, and utility-specific details.
Southern Maine, CMP territory. Highest population density in the state.
Coastal suburb south of Portland, CMP territory. Solar-friendly city.
Fast-growing suburb, CMP territory. Newer housing with 200A panels.
Former mill city, CMP territory. Affordable housing stock.
USM campus town, CMP territory. Fast permits, large lots.
York County, CMP territory. Growing southern Maine city.
Twin city with Biddeford, CMP territory. Coastal areas.
Coastal York County, CMP territory. Historic village center.
Southernmost Maine town, CMP territory. NH border.
Coastal York County, CMP territory. Historic district.
Affluent Portland suburb, CMP territory. Large homes, fast permits.
Rural-suburban Portland area, CMP territory. Large lots.
Fast-growing inland suburb, CMP territory. Sebago Lake region.
Affluent coastal suburb, CMP territory. Excellent sun exposure.
State capital, CMP territory. Government buildings and residential solar.
Colby College town, CMP territory. Affordable housing stock.
Cumberland County, CMP territory. Home to Bowdoin College.
Androscoggin County, CMP territory. Second-largest city in Maine.
Twin city with Lewiston, CMP territory. Fast permits.
Central Maine, Versant territory. Gateway to northern Maine.
Twin city with Bangor, Versant territory. Higher rates boost solar ROI.
UMaine campus town, Versant territory. Fast permits.
Gateway to Acadia, Versant territory. Commercial hub for Downeast.
Acadia gateway, Versant territory. Historic district, coastal.
Aroostook County hub, Versant territory. Climate Zone 6.
How long does solar actually take in your town? We track permit approval times, interconnection timelines, fees, coastal zone requirements, and historic district considerations for 26 Maine towns.
26
Towns Tracked
8 days
Avg Permit Time
10
Coastal Zone
22
Online Permits
| Town | Permit | Total |
|---|---|---|
| ScarboroughCMP | 7d | 5-10 wks |
| GorhamCMP | 7d | 5-9 wks |
| FalmouthCMP | 7d | 5-9 wks |
| CumberlandCMP | 7d | 5-9 wks |
| WindhamCMP | 7d | 5-9 wks |
| AuburnCMP | 7d | 5-9 wks |
| BrewerVersant Power | 7d | 5-9 wks |
| OronoVersant Power | 7d | 5-9 wks |
| South PortlandCMP | 8d | 6-10 wks |
| WestbrookCMP | 8d | 6-10 wks |
| BiddefordCMP | 8d | 6-10 wks |
| SacoCMP | 8d | 6-10 wks |
| KitteryCMP | 8d | 6-10 wks |
| Cape ElizabethCMP | 8d | 6-10 wks |
| AugustaCMP | 8d | 6-10 wks |
| WatervilleCMP | 8d | 6-10 wks |
| BrunswickCMP | 8d | 6-10 wks |
| LewistonCMP | 8d | 6-10 wks |
| BangorVersant Power | 8d | 5-10 wks |
| Pine HarborCMP | 8d | 6-10 wks |
| EllsworthVersant Power | 8d | 5-10 wks |
| PortlandCMP | 10d | 7-12 wks |
| KennebunkCMP | 10d | 7-12 wks |
| YorkCMP | 10d | 7-12 wks |
| Presque IsleVersant Power | 10d | 6-11 wks |
| Bar HarborVersant Power | 12d | 7-13 wks |
Data compiled from municipal code enforcement offices, installer field reports, and NuWatt project history. Last updated March 2026. Click any row for details.
Tools, calculators, and in-depth guides to help you make the best heat pump decision.
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NuWatt Energy helps Maine homeowners navigate heat pumps, solar, and energy storage. With 60%+ of homes on oil and Efficiency Maine rebates up to $3,000/unit, now is the time to switch. Get a free assessment and see your savings.
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