Maine is the northernmost state in the USA. It has been blessed with multiple natural features which include the inland 100 Mile Wilderness, rugged coastlines, and the spruce islands of Acadia National Park. Maine is also gifted with an abundance of sunlight which makes it ideal for power generation through the use of solar energy.
After California, Maine has the second-highest potential for the generation of solar energy by utilizing the space available on rooftops. Maine’s true potential for solar power generation can be estimated from the fact that the amount of solar insolation it receives is 33% higher than Germany.
Overall, Maine has a cool climate which is marked by cold, snowy winters and mild summers. However, this mild climate actually aids in the optimal production of solar energy as solar panels work most efficiently at about 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Solar systems in Maine produce an abundance of electricity during the fall and spring which makes up for the reduced production during snowy winters.
Over the years, Maine has made considerable efforts in increasing its solar power generation capacity. The Marine Solar Energy Act reiterates that solar electric generation should have a considerable share in the generation capacity and the energy mix of a state.
The price of solar panel installation in Marine ranges from $2.33 to $3.15 on a cost-per-watt basis.
Solar Friendly Legislation in Maine
Net metering
Net metering enables the users to get credit and financial benefits for all the surplus energy their solar system generates. Maine has a user-friendly net metering policy according to which the user gets credit for all the surplus energy produced by the solar system. These credits are offset for the duration when the system does not produce enough solar power.
Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The investment Tax Credit is another piece of legislation that provides a financial benefit to solar users. According to ITC, the federal government offers a 26% tax credit to homeowners and businesses who opt for solar energy on their premises. This means that up to 26% of the cost of the solar system is offset through the tax credit.
The following statistics reveal the state of solar energy in Maine
- Solar Installed (MW): 298.9
- National Ranking: 36th (29th in 2020)
- Percentage of State’s Electricity from Solar: 2.35%
- Solar Jobs: 595
- Solar Companies in State: 50 (4 Manufacturers, 25 Installers/Developers, 21 Others)
- Total Solar Investment in State: 437 million
- Prices have fallen 11% over the last 5 years
- Growth Projection and Ranking: 1,362 MW over the next 5 years (ranks 24th)
- Number Of Installations: 3,463
Need For Solar Panel Disposal Solution
Maine is making multiple efforts to tap its true potential for solar generation. Ambitious targets and solar-friendly legislation have put Maine on a path of achieving energy sufficiency through the use of solar energy.
However, the rapid proliferation of photovoltaic technology also raises the alarming question about the decommissioning and disposal of end-of-life solar panels. Most experts agree that recycling old solar panels is the most cost-effective and eco-friendly waste disposal option for solar waste.
If you are looking for decommissioning or large-scale solar panel recycling solutions in Maine, contact We Recycle Solar. We provide recycling solutions for solar panels, batteries, and other equipment. Our processes are safe, efficient, and compliant with all federal and state laws.
Looking for decommissioning or large-scale Maine solar panel recycling solutions?
Unless otherwise noted, all data from SEIA/GTM Research U.S. Solar Market Insight