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Saco solar costs $2.85-$3.15/W in 2026, averaging $25,500 for an 8.5 kW system. CMP provides 1:1 NEB credits at $0.27/kWh, generating ~$2,754/year. No federal 25D ITC. Property tax 100% exempt. Solar-friendly suburban permitting. Payback: ~15 years (cash) or day-1 savings (PPA).
Federal 25D ITC expired Dec 31, 2025. Saco homeowners receive $0 federal tax credit for cash or loan solar purchases in 2026. Third-party ownership (PPA/Propel) still accesses the 30% Section 48 commercial ITC.
$3.00/W
Avg Cost
$25,500
8.5 kW System
$0.27
CMP Rate (/kWh)
$2,754
NEB/Year
~15 yr
Payback
A typical 8.5 kW solar system in Saco costs $24,225-$26,775 in 2026 ($2.85-$3.15/W). With CMP's 1:1 NEB credits at $0.27/kWh, you save approximately $2,754/year. No federal 25D ITC is available (expired). Property tax is 100% exempt statewide. Cash payback is approximately 15 years, or get day-1 savings with Propel ($0 down).
Saco solar installation costs $2.85-$3.15 per watt in 2026. As Biddeford's twin city across the Saco River, pricing is identical to the broader southern Maine market.
| Component | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Solar panels (8.5 kW) | $9,350-$11,050 |
| Inverter(s) | $2,300-$3,700 |
| Mounting and racking | $1,900-$2,800 |
| Electrical work and wiring | $2,300-$3,300 |
| Permitting and interconnection | $400-$800 |
| Labor and installation | $4,700-$6,500 |
| Design, engineering, overhead | $2,700-$4,000 |
| Total (before incentives) | $24,225-$26,775 |
| System Size | Panels | Total Cost | Annual NEB | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | 11-12 | $14,250-$15,750 | $1,620 | ~15 yr |
| 8.5 kW | 19-20 | $24,225-$26,775 | $2,754 | ~15 yr |
| 10 kW | 22-23 | $28,500-$31,500 | $3,240 | ~15 yr |
| 13 kW | 29-30 | $37,050-$40,950 | $4,212 | ~15 yr |
The Section 25D residential solar tax credit expired December 31, 2025. Saco homeowners pay the full system cost with $0 federal tax credit in 2026.
100% property tax exemption statewide. Sales tax exemption on equipment saves ~$1,400 on an 8.5 kW system.
Saco is in CMP territory. Maine's NEB program gives rooftop solar owners 1:1 retail-rate credits for every kWh exported. This is the foundation of your savings.
10,200
kWh/year (8.5 kW system)
$2,754
Annual NEB credits
~15 yrs
Payback (cash purchase)
System cost: $25,500
Year 1 NEB value: $2,754
Rate increase (est): 4-5%/year
Payback (cash): ~15 years
25-year savings: $52,000-$72,000+
ROI after 25 years: 105-185%
Over 60% of Saco homes heat with oil. Combining solar with an Efficiency Maine heat pump creates the most powerful energy savings available.
Maine law provides statewide 100% property tax exemption for solar equipment. Your $25,500 system adds $0 to your property tax bill.
Estimated annual savings: ~$354/year
Solar equipment is exempt from Maine's 5.5% sales tax, saving ~$1,400 on an 8.5 kW system.
Verify with your installer at time of purchase.
Saco has a straightforward, solar-friendly permit process with online applications and typical 8 business day approval.
Building permit
Required. Online application available. $50-$100 fee.
Electrical permit
Combined with building permit in Saco.
Processing time
8 business days typical for residential.
Coastal zone
Camp Ellis area needs marine-grade equipment. Most residential areas are unaffected.
CMP interconnection
Application filed by installer. Approval 2-4 weeks.
Contract to PTO
6-10 weeks total from signed contract to permission to operate.
Skip the 15-year cash payback. Propel Solar offers $0 down, a fixed monthly payment lower than your CMP bill, and full ownership by year 5.
Third-party owner installs solar and captures 30% Section 48 ITC — unavailable to homeowner purchases since 25D expired.
~$175/mo fixed — approximately 25% less than the average CMP bill. No escalators.
Full ownership transfers at year 5. American-made Silfab 440W panels. Free maintenance during lease period.
Estimate your solar costs, savings, and payback period for your Saco home.
No federal tax credit (25D expired). Maine solar economics rely on net energy billing (1:1 retail) + property and sales tax exemptions.
Third-party PPA/lease still benefits from Section 48 ITC (30%). Ask your installer about $0-down options.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
Twin city across the Saco River. Same solar economics and installer network.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
CMP territory. Beach community with seasonal and year-round homes.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
CMP territory. Fast-growing suburb with newer housing stock.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
CMP territory. Rural homes with large lots and good exposure.
CMP | $0.27/kWh
CMP territory. Small rural town adjacent to Saco.
Sources: Maine PUC, CMP rate filings (2026), Efficiency Maine Trust, Maine Governor's Energy Office, EIA state data, NuWatt installer network data. Costs verified March 2026.
See exactly what solar will cost and save for your Saco home. Free assessment with CMP-specific NEB calculations.
