Solar energy is rapidly gaining ground in Maine, and it is easy to see why. Between rising energy costs and growing calls for sustainable living, homeowners are eager for solutions that are environmentally conscious and budget-friendly. That’s where net metering comes in—a system that not only supports your green energy goals but also helps manage energy costs and achieve your objectives.
If you have ever wondered how the Maine net metering works or whether it can benefit your home, then you are in the right place. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know – from the basics of how solar energy connects to your utility bill and the broader clean energy picture in Maine.
What Is Net Metering?
Let’s start with the basics. Net metering, which is also commonly referred to as Net Energy Billing (NEB) in Maine, is a billing system between utility companies and customers who generate their electricity, usually through rooftop solar systems or other small-scale renewable energy projects.
Here’s how it works:
- When your solar panels generate more power than your home uses, the extra energy is sent back to the grid.
- Your utility company gives you kWh credit for that surplus power.
- Later, when your panels do not produce enough—such as at night or in winter—you can use those credits to offset your electricity bills.
This system, known as net metering or net energy billing, allows homeowners to use the grid like a virtual storage system, crediting them for excess solar power and reducing their future electricity bills.
How Does Net Metering Work in Maine?
In Maine, Net metering is maintained by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC). The state’s program supports both rooftop solar installations and large community solar projects through its net energy billing program. Whether you are an individual homeowner or part of a shared solar farm, you can participate in net energy billing and get a credit that reduces your monthly charges.
Here’s how it works in real-life terms:
- Solar panels installed on your property generate electricity during daylight.
- If your house does not use all the electricity generated, the additional power is sent to the grid.
- A bi-directional meter or smart meter records both the energy you consume and the energy you generate.
- Your utility company, like CMP or other investor-owned transmission and distribution utilities, issues kWh credits for additional energy provided.
- During periods of low production (cloudy days, nights, or winter), these credits are applied to your billing period, reducing your overall electricity bill.
In most cases, customer net energy billing agreements are billed at standard tariff rates to nominated customers, while the credit they earn is cut off on the basis of a pre-defined tariff rate program. This creates a win-win for homeowners: lower bills and greater energy independence.
Benefits of Net Metering for Maine Homeowners
So, is net metering worth it? The answer is a big yes, especially if you are interested in solar energy or if there is someone who cares deeply about renewable energy and reduces their carbon footprint.
Here are the major benefits:
- Lower Monthly Bills: You earn net metering bill savings using credits instead of paying full price for electricity during non-sunny periods.
- Faster ROI on Solar Installations: The more energy you produce and credit back, the faster you recover the investment of your solar power system.
- Support for the Grid: By feeding power back into the system, you help reduce tension on the transmission and distribution network, especially during peak hours.
- Green Energy Mix: You are directly contributing to the energy transition of Maine and helping to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Access and Affordability: Net metering helps to make solar projects financially feasible and encourages adoption at income levels.
These net benefits not only improve the finances of individual homes but also support a widespread push for sustainable energy and climate resilience.
Is Net Metering Still Available in Maine?
Yes—net metering in Maine is still active and accessible. Over time, the Maine Legislature, the Governor’s Energy Office, and the PUC have expanded the net energy billing program to support homeowners and promote renewable energy adoption.
Maine’s net metering policy has evolved to include new models like the successor program for front-of-meter systems, aimed at improving distributed generation and grid reliability. While some proposals have called for changes—such as adjusting the tariff rates or canceling the program—the main structure remains in place.
The state continues solar-friendly policies that help residents to compensate for electricity bills and invest in clean energy.
Thinking of Going Solar?
- Check interconnection requirements with your installer.
- Confirm NEB availability in your service territory.
- Review your utility’s tariff rate program and how kWh credits apply to your billing period.
Visit the Maine Public Utilities Commission website or contact your utility for the latest updates.
A Quick Look at Net Metering History in Maine
Maine’s net metering journey has evolved to keep solar energy financially rewarding for residents. In the early days, homeowners with solar installations could receive cash payments from their utility for excess energy sent to the grid. Over time, the program shifted to a one-to-one kWh credit system under the customer net energy billing agreement.
Instead of checks, homeowners now earn credits to offset their energy use during low-production times, such as cloudy days or winter months. This change helped expand access, simplify billing, and ease tensions with investor-owned transmission and distribution utilities.
What’s Next: The Future of Net Metering in Maine
There’s growing conversation around Net Metering 2.0, a proposed update to Maine’s current net energy billing program. While the Maine Public Utilities Commission hasn’t finalized details yet, the changes could be significant.
One major proposal would allow utilities to retain 25% of the energy you produce as a transmission and distribution fee. This means your excess energy would earn fewer kWh credits, reducing your overall net metering bill savings.
Though still under review, this successor program is part of efforts by the Governor’s Energy Office to develop a fairer, more sustainable energy future that supports both the grid and Maine ratepayers.
If implemented, these changes may impact the design and returns of solar projects, particularly for net energy billing customers, community solar projects, and project sponsors.
Final Thoughts
Going solar in Maine is a smart way to cut energy costs and support a cleaner future. The state’s billing policy rewards you for the power you generate, making solar more accessible than ever. When combined with a heat pump in Maine, homeowners can further enhance their energy efficiency throughout the year. Get started by reaching out to a trusted solar provider, completing the required utility agreement, and setting up your system. From there, you’ll be well on your way to long-term savings and sustainable living.
