Additional Solar Options for All…

Last month, we talked about homes with good roofs for solar. This month, we expand upon these Solar Options, offering possibilities for renters and homeowners with poor roofs for solar, as well as good solar homes.

The community solar industry has matured in recent years, with early challenges—particularly around billing—largely improved. For those who may have tried it in the past and were dissatisfied, advocates say it may be worth reconsidering.

The subscription model is by far the most widely used option.

To participate, residents must have an account with Central Maine Power (CMP). Customers enter into a contract with a company that owns a solar farm in Maine, leasing enough panels to match their electricity usage. In return, they typically receive a 15% to 20% discount on the energy produced, though rates may vary and can sometimes be negotiated. These agreements generally carry no long-term obligation and are relatively easy to terminate.

Billing structures differ between providers.

Some customers receive two separate bills—one from CMP and another from the solar company—while others may have access to a single-bill option. Timing can also vary, with some companies billing in the same month and others introducing a delay of two to three months.

Several providers operate in Maine, each with distinct billing practices:

• Nautilus bills based on consumption, offers a one-bill option, and charges within the same month.
• Nexamp bills based on production, does not offer a one-bill option, and typically has a two- to three-month billing delay.
• PowerMarket bills based on consumption, without a one-bill option, and also has a two- to three-month delay.
• Ampion follows a similar model, billing on consumption with a two- to three-month delay and no one-bill option.
• Join Solar (Novel) bills on production, does not offer a one-bill option, and also has a two- to three-month delay.

For those interested in a more investment-based approach, the ownership model allows customers to purchase panels in a Maine solar farm. The number of panels purchased can offset part or all of a household’s electricity use. Costs are comparable to rooftop solar installations and come with similar advantages and drawbacks. ReVision Energy is currently a provider of this model. While solar co-ops and shared ownership systems also exist in Maine, they can be difficult to locate. One consideration for buyers is liquidity, particularly if they move outside the CMP service area.

Beyond community solar, additional technologies are beginning to gain attention.

Plug-in solar (“Balcony Solar”) systems —portable units that plug into a standard electrical outlet—are designed especially for renters. These systems typically produce 450 and 1,200 watts(or .45 kilowatts – 1.2 kilowatts) of electricity and are widely used in Germany. Solar generators are another accessible option. Available in a range of sizes, these systems combine solar panels, battery storage, and an inverter to convert solar energy into usable power. They are commonly used for emergency backup, outdoor activities such as camping or RV travel, and off-grid applications.

With a growing range of options, energy advocates say there are now more ways than ever for Maine residents—regardless of housing situation—to participate in solar energy.