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The solar landscape changed dramatically in 2026. The federal tax credit expired. Community solar is under fire. Choosing the right installer — and the right financing — matters more than ever.
7
Evaluation Criteria
$0
25D ITC for Homeowners
30%
Section 48 (Via Propel)
Year 5
Propel Ownership Transfer
Solar in 2026 is not the same market it was in 2024. The rules changed. Your evaluation criteria need to change with them.
The Section 25D residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025. Homeowner cash and loan purchases get $0 federal credit. This changes everything about how you evaluate solar proposals.
Billing errors are rampant. LD 1777 reform cut NEB compensation for new community solar projects. Subscribers report confusing credits, delayed savings, and no ownership of anything.
With the ITC gone for homeowners, the financing structure you choose determines your real savings. The right company offers a structure that captures the commercial ITC on your behalf.
Use these seven criteria to evaluate any solar company in Maine. Ask every question. Compare every answer.
What to Ask
“Will I own the panels, or is this a lease/PPA? When do I take ownership?”
Red Flag
"You never own the system" = lease/PPA with no ownership path. You pay for 25 years and own nothing.
NuWatt
Propel financing: you own the panels by year 5. Not a lease. Not a PPA. Real ownership.
What to Ask
“Is there an annual escalator clause in the contract? What will I pay in year 10? Year 20?”
Red Flag
"2-3% annual escalator" = by year 15, you are paying more for solar than you would for CMP electricity. The savings disappear.
NuWatt
Propel: fixed payment forever. No escalators. Your payment in year 10 is the same as day one.
What to Ask
“The 25D ITC expired. How does your financing work without it? Who captures the tax credit?”
Red Flag
Company still advertising "30% tax credit" for homeowner purchases = misleading at best, dishonest at worst. There is no residential ITC in 2026.
NuWatt
Propel's hybrid structure captures 30% via Section 48 (the commercial ITC). The third-party system owner claims it, and the savings are passed through to you as a built-in discount on your payment.
What to Ask
“Are your panels FEOC compliant? Where are they manufactured? Can you show documentation?”
Red Flag
Cheap imported panels from FEOC-linked manufacturers = may lose ITC eligibility entirely (killing the financing model), potential quality and warranty concerns.
NuWatt
Silfab 440W panels — manufactured in the USA, FEOC certified. Zero risk of ITC clawback. 25-year performance warranty.
What to Ask
“What's the panel warranty? Inverter warranty? Workmanship warranty? Who handles claims — you or the manufacturer?”
Red Flag
"25-year panel warranty but 10-year inverter" = a 15-year gap in microinverter coverage. If an inverter fails in year 12, you pay out of pocket.
NuWatt
25-year panel warranty (Silfab). Enphase IQ8 microinverters with 25-year warranty. Full coverage, no gaps.
What to Ask
“Do you have a local office in Maine? Who installs — your crew or subcontractors? Will you be here in 10 years?”
Red Flag
Out-of-state company with no local presence. Maine Attorney General has issued warnings about solar scam ads and high-pressure door-to-door sales from fly-by-night installers.
NuWatt
NuWatt serves Maine directly. BBB A+ rated. Local support you can reach when you need it.
What to Ask
“Will I get 1:1 NEB credits at the full retail rate? Or are credits reduced?”
Red Flag
Community solar with reduced NEB credits under LD 1777 reform. New community solar projects get less than 1:1, and the credits are confusing.
NuWatt
Rooftop solar: 1:1 NEB credits at the full retail rate ($0.27/kWh). Unaffected by LD 1777. Your roof, your panels, your credits.
We are not going to review specific competitors — we would be biased. But here is what to look for when evaluating solar companies in the Portland-to-Kittery corridor:
BBB A+ rated. American-made Silfab 440W panels. Propel $0-down ownership financing with no escalators. Local Maine service. 25-year panel and inverter warranties. 1:1 NEB credits via rooftop solar. Ask us any of the 7 questions above.
Here is what Propel solar financing looks like for southern Maine homeowners. $0 down, fixed payment, own by year 5.
| Town | Avg CMP Bill | Propel Payment | Monthly Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland | $245/mo | $184/mo | $61/mo |
| South Portland | $240/mo | $180/mo | $60/mo |
| Scarborough | $255/mo | $191/mo | $64/mo |
| Kennebunk | $250/mo | $188/mo | $62/mo |
Get your personalized Propel solar quote and compare NuWatt against any other Maine solar company on all 7 criteria. $0 down, fixed payment, own by year 5. American-made panels. See if you qualify in 60 seconds.
