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Written By David Cusick
Last Updated June 2024
Solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Cumberland homes. Adopting solar energy can reduce your monthly energy expenses and shrink your carbon output. Before you begin the process, you want to make sure you find a trustworthy installer. Luckily, we've reviewed the options and assembled a guide to the best and most trustworthy solar installation companies in Cumberland.
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Family-operated business
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Informative resources
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Informative resources
Free quotes
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Installing solar panels can lower your electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint. When evaluating if a solar provider is right for you, consider these key factors.
Verify that your solar installer is properly licensed. This ensures that the work is done properly using the most up-to-date installation methods. The Maine Electricians' Examining Board examines professionals installing solar photovoltaic systems in the state. There are no special solar licenses; an electricians' license is all that is necessary.
Check Google Reviews, the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, and other review sites to see what past customers are saying about local solar companies. Detailed reviews can help you evaluate a provider's trustworthiness and customer service. Avoid providers with few or mainly poor reviews.
To find a solar installer that works with your budget, get free, detailed quotes from 3–5 providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Looking at several quotes helps you identify the best value.
Quality solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship warranty covers any installation defects (such as cracks in the panels, poor wiring, or poor alignment), while a performance warranty ensures a certain level of energy production. Strong guarantees show that a company is confident in its work.
Going solar can help decrease your electric bills over time. When weighing the total price and value of solar panels, make sure to consider these factors.
The cost of home solar panels in Cumberland varies depending on several factors, including the size of the system and the type of panels you'll use. Generally speaking, a complete solar energy system could range from $3,800 per kilowatt, not including permit fees, preliminary work, or labor. Most solar systems in Cumberland are 5.2 kilowatts, and the typical Cumberland homeowners spends $13,948 after accounting for federal tax refunds. Some homeowners may prefer to lease solar panels and reduce upfront costs.
Incentive Amount:
Geothermal Heat Pumps: One third of the installation cost up to $3,000
Air Sealing (6 hrs): $400
Insulation: 30% of project costs, up to $1,000 per zone
Air-Source Heat Pumps: $500 for single or first zone heating; an additional $250 is available for second zone heating
Biomass Boilers and Furnaces: One third of the installation cost up to $6,000
See rebate application for full list of rebate bonuses
A solar photovoltaic (PV) array can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. More specifically, you can install a solar water heating system.
With home solar panels, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and gain additional energy independence.
Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, which means you can reap the savings and environmental benefits that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.
Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Cumberland amount to $905.
Your payback period is the time to achieve an ROI on your solar panels. It will vary based on the average sunlight in your area, the rate your utility charges per kilowatt of power, and their rated capacity. Cumberland gets quite a bit of sunlight per day, so an average payback period could last up to 15.4 years per 5 kW of capacity.
While solar energy might not be ideal for some in dark or wet areas, the latest generation of equipment and energy storage systems could boost your property's solar viability enough to achieve a return on investment. A contractor could also recommend a different primary source of renewable energy like wind or geothermal to boost your generation.
Of course. Solar panels are independent of the Cumberland grid and will continue to generate power even if the grid is having problems. Bear in mind, however, that a solar system won't take you through a nighttime outage if you don't have a storage system. Your contractor can discuss some economical options to keep your home's power access reliable through the worst conditions, including battery backups or an emergency generator.
Ultimately, the answer will depend on your specific situation. You can take advantage of a federal tax credit of up to 30% of the system's cost, as well as state or local incentives depending on where you are. As for insurance, you'll need to let your insurer know about your new solar panels. Your premium may increase due to added property values, but you'll have peace of mind if a covered event happens to the system.