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LD 1777 changed credit rates for new community solar projects in Maine. New projects use a tariff-based rate (below retail) while grandfathered projects keep 1:1 NEB. Community solar remains the best option for renters, condos, and shaded roofs with $0 cost and no installation.
$0
Upfront Cost
5-15%
Typical Bill Savings
LD 1777
New Credit Structure
No Roof
Required
LD 1777, which took effect January 1, 2024, changed how community solar subscribers receive credits in Maine. This law only affects community solar projects, not rooftop solar.
Under the previous 1:1 NEB system, community solar subscribers avoided paying grid costs (transmission, distribution maintenance) that were then shifted to non-participating ratepayers. LD 1777 reduces this cost shift by setting credit rates that reflect the actual avoided cost of energy rather than the full retail rate. Rooftop solar was not affected because the cost-shifting dynamics are different for distributed generation on the customer side of the meter.
Choose a community solar project. No upfront cost, no credit check in most programs. You select a subscription size based on your electricity usage.
The off-site solar farm produces clean energy. Your share of production is tracked by your utility (CMP or Versant).
Credits are applied to your monthly electric bill. For grandfathered projects, credits equal full NEB (1:1 retail rate). New projects under LD 1777 use a tariff-based rate.
You pay a subscription fee that is lower than the credit value, guaranteeing net savings on every bill. Typical savings are 5-15% depending on the project.
No landlord permission needed. No roof modifications. Just subscribe and save.
Shared roofs and HOA rules are not a barrier. Zero installation at your unit.
Trees, orientation, or small roof area making rooftop solar inefficient? Community solar is professionally sited for maximum production.
Structural issues, roof age, aesthetic preferences. Community solar avoids all rooftop constraints.
No upfront cost, no maintenance, and guaranteed net savings on every bill.
Subscribe to community solar for vacation homes, rental properties, or small businesses.
| Feature | Community Solar | Rooftop Solar |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $0 | $26,190-$28,710 (9 kW avg) |
| Installation required | No | Yes (roof modifications) |
| Available to renters | Yes | No |
| Typical bill savings | 5-15% | 50-80% |
| Equipment maintenance | None (provider handles) | Homeowner responsibility |
| Federal 25D ITC | N/A (expired) | N/A (expired Dec 2025) |
| Section 48 ITC | Project owner claims | N/A (homeowner-owned) |
| NEB credits | Tariff-based (LD 1777) or 1:1 (grandfathered) | 1:1 full retail rate |
| Home value increase | No | Yes (~4% avg) |
| Property tax exempt | N/A | Yes (100% statewide) |
| Moving flexibility | Transfer or cancel | Stays with house |
Rooftop solar offers higher savings (50-80% bill reduction) and builds home equity, but requires $26K+ upfront and a suitable roof. Community solar offers lower savings (5-15%) but with $0 cost, no installation, and accessibility for everyone. If you can install rooftop solar, it is the better financial investment. If you cannot, community solar is your path to solar savings.
Whether community solar or rooftop solar is right for you, get a free assessment to see your savings potential.