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Community Solar in Maine - 2026 Programs & Savings Guide

Maine offers community solar through Community Net Metering (CNM). Subscribers save 5-12% on their electricity bills with no installation required. Renters are eligible.

Active Subscribers
20,000

3.5% of households

Subscribed Capacity
150 MW
Typical Savings
5-12%

~$16/mo avg

Available to Renters
Yes

Income-qualified tier available

Program Name

Community Net Metering (CNM)

Serving Utilities

Central Maine Power, Versant Power

Contract Length

Up to 20 years

Community Solar Programs in Maine

Community Net Metering (CNM) / Net Energy Billing

Administrator: Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC)

Net Energy Billing / Community Solar

Maine's community solar program operates under Net Energy Billing (NEB), a framework that replaced traditional net metering. Under NEB, subscribers to a community solar project receive monthly credits on their Central Maine Power or Versant Power bill at 90% of the retail rate (non-low-income) or 100% (low-income). Projects may be up to 5 MW in size, making Maine's community solar farms among the larger allowable sizes in New England.

Savings Range
5–12% off your electricity bill
Contract Length
Up to 20 years; Maine law requires no early termination fee for residential customers
Subscription Size
Up to 100% of your average annual usage
Eligibility
Any Central Maine Power or Versant Power customer with an active electric account
Available to Renters
Yes
Income-Qualified Savings
Low-income customers receive credits at 100% of retail rate (vs. 90% for standard subscribers), maximizing savings

How Community Solar Works in Maine

1

Find a Net Energy Billing project serving your utility territory through the Maine PUC's project registry or a community solar aggregator.

2

Subscribe to a share — no upfront cost, no installation at your home, and no credit check for most residential programs.

3

The solar farm produces electricity; production data is reported to Central Maine Power or Versant Power monthly.

4

Your utility applies a bill credit at 90% of the retail rate (or 100% for low-income subscribers) for your share of output.

5

You pay the community solar provider a rate lower than 90% of retail, keeping the margin as guaranteed savings.

Is Community Solar Worth It in Maine?

~

Moderate Savings

This state offers solid community solar options with moderate savings. The program is a good fit for renters and those who can't install rooftop solar, though savings may be lower than in leading states.

Typical Savings

5-12%

Upfront Cost

$0

Renters Eligible

Yes

Participating Utilities in Maine

Central Maine PowerVersant Power

Ready to Subscribe?

Visit the official Maine community solar program to find available projects and sign up.

Find Projects in ME →

Community Solar FAQs - Maine

No. Renters with an active Central Maine Power or Versant Power account are fully eligible. Maine's Net Energy Billing program does not require property ownership or any physical changes to your home.
Standard subscribers receive credits at 90% of the retail electricity rate and typically save 5–12% on the energy covered by their subscription, depending on the developer's pricing. Low-income subscribers receive credits at 100% of the retail rate, enabling even greater savings.
Net Energy Billing (NEB) is Maine's replacement for traditional net metering, enacted in 2019. Unlike net metering — which credits excess solar production at the full retail rate — NEB credits community solar output at 90% of retail for standard customers. Low-income customers receive the full 100% retail credit. NEB applies specifically to community (off-site) solar; rooftop systems under 100 kW still use a grandfathered net metering rate.
Maine law generally prohibits early termination fees for residential community solar subscribers. You may exit your subscription, though specific notice periods (typically 30–90 days) apply. Review your contract terms carefully before signing.
Yes. Maine's NEB framework provides low-income subscribers with credits at 100% of the retail rate rather than the standard 90%, providing a meaningful advantage. Some projects also specifically target affordable housing communities and may offer additional discounts.

More Solar Resources for Maine

Maine Solar Data

Installations, costs & panel brands

Maine Solar Incentives

Tax credits, rebates & exemptions

Source: NREL Community Solar Policy, state public utility commissions, DSIRE, and utility program documentation. Data reflects programs available as of 2026. Program terms, capacity, and availability change frequently - verify current details with your utility or a licensed community solar provider.