Changes to Efficiency Maine's Solar Incentive Programs

The incentive programs for solar energy systems offered by Efficiency Maine have changed as of April 11, 2012. Here is the new description of the programs:

SOLAR ELECTRIC (PHOTOVOLTAIC OR PV)

Efficiency Maine offers incentives of $500 per 1,000 kWh of annual projected production, up to a maximum of $2,000 for residential installations and up to $4,000 for commercial installations. All installations must demonstrate cost effectiveness to be eligible.

SOLAR THERMAL

The Maine Solar Thermal Energy Incentive Program offers up to a maximum of $2,000 for residential and $4,000 for commercial solar air and water heating systems.

Again, incentives are based on projected annual energy production and must be cost effective to be eligible.

Cost effectiveness is determined using a calculation tool called PVWatts that was developed by the National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) to simulate monthly and annual energy production for unshaded solar arrays in various locations.

Some of the other changes to both programs include that:

Energy audits are no longer required.

To qualify for incentives, systems must be Installed by installers who are both NABCEP-certified and "Registered vendors" with Efficiency Maine.

You can read an in-depth analysis of the changes on ReVision Solar's blog.

Read about the steps needed to receive the various incentives on Efficiency Maine's solar thermal and solar electric pages.