With a rich natural heritage and abundant solar resources, Maine is a great place to go solar. The state’s current governor has pushed for increased solar adoption, which has helped boost the state’s renewable energy policy.
Solar panels for sale in Maine
Solar panels in Maine are reliable and cost-efficient energy generators for your home, business, RV or a boat. They work as long as there is daylight, aren’t afraid of winds, hail, snow or rain, and last for over 25 years.
The average size of a home PV installation in the US is 5-6 kW. A system of this capacity covers 80-100% energy needs of a medium house. Its cost may vary from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the panels’ brand and incentives available. Since a solar system powers your appliances during the day, your energy bills reduce greatly. Overall, a PV installation brings in around $100 each month on average and thus pays for itself in 6-7 years.
Solar energy is a great solution for boondockers and sailors as well. Since panels work everywhere, don’t need fuel, don’t smell and are silent, they start to replace gas generators, which traditionally were used to charge house batteries. Sometimes even one panel is enough for everything you have on your boat or RV. Generally, panels go on a trailer roof, and when it comes to marine installation, modules are fixed on a stern rail, deck or canvas.
Aptos Solar 365W Solar Panel 120 cell DNA-120-MF26-365W
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Backsheet color — black
- Cell number — 120 cell
- Connector Type — MC4
- DC/Charger Volt Compatible — 12v, 24, 48v
- Dimensions LxWxH — 69.1 X 40.9 X 1.37 in
- Frame color — black
- Manufacturer — Aptos Solar
- Model — DNA-120-MF26-365W
- Operating Temperature — 111 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 20.01%
- Scope of application — Residential, Commercial, Boats and RV systems
- Use — Grid-Tie, Off-Grid
- Weight — 45.19 lbs
- Price per Watt — $0.8
- Rated Power Output — 365 W
- Voltage (VOC) — 40.7
- Cell Type — Monocrystalline
- Warranty — 25-year product warranty, 30-year output warranty
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
REC 400W Solar Panel 132 cell REC400AA-PURE
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Backsheet color — black
- Cell number — 132 cell
- Connector Type — MC4
- DC/Charger Volt Compatible — 12v, 24, 48v
- Dimensions LxWxH — 71.7 x 40 x 1.2 inches
- Frame color — black
- Manufacturer — REC
- Model — REC400AA-PURE
- Operating Temperatures — -40 °F to +185 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 21.6%
- Scope of application — Residential, Commercial, Boats and RV systems
- Use — Grid-Tie, Off-Grid
- Weight — 45 lbs
- Price per Watt — $1.2
- Rated Power Output — 400 W
- Voltage (VOC) — 48.8
- Cell Type — Monocrystalline
- Warranty — 25-year product and performance warranty
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
Panasonic 370W Solar Panel 120 cell EverVolt EVPV370
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Backsheet color — white
- Cell number — 120 cell
- Connector Type — MC4
- DC/Charger Volt Compatible — 12v, 24, 48v
- Dimensions LxWxH — 67.8 x 40.0 x 1.2 inches
- Frame color — black
- Manufacturer — Panasonic Eco Solutions
- Model — EVPV370
- Operating Temperatures — -40 °F to +185 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 21.2%
- Scope of application — Residential, Commercial, Boats and RV systems
- Use — Grid-Tie, Off-Grid
- Weight — 43 lbs
- Price per Watt — $1.2
- Rated Power Output — 370 W
- Voltage (VOC) — 44.1
- Cell Type — Monocrystalline
- Warranty — 25-year product and performance warranty
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
Solar inverters for sale in Maine
Inverter is another necessary component of a solar panel system. The panels by nature produce direct current which can’t be used by most house appliances. That’s why an inverter converts DC to AC and sends it either into the grid or to your appliances.
Another functions that inverter perform include:
- Interaction with the grid;
- Arc fault prevention and protection;
- Optimization of the solar array production;
- System monitoring.
Inverters can be grid-tied, off-grid or hybrid. While the names of the first two are self-explanatory, a hybrid inverter can be used both as a grid-tie or an off-grid one. In other words, you can pair it with a battery, and if a blackout happens, the inverter switches your house to battery support instead of shutting down.
Inverter is the most complicated part of a solar installation and it requires proper maintenance. For Maine residents, it is recommended to put an inverter in a cold dry place out of direct sunlight — the garage is the best option. To prolong its lifespan, wipe the dust off of it, clean air intake filters and check the screen for errors.
OutBack Inverter 50A GS8048A-01
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Input Voltage DC — 48
- Output Voltage AC — 120/240 VAC
- Solar panel compatibility — 60/120, 72/144 cell
- Type — Grid-tie, Hybrid
- Dimensions LxWxH — 28 x 16 x 8.7 inches
- Watts — 8000
- Manufacturer — OutBack Power Systems
- Model — GS8048A-01
- Operating Temperatures — -4 °F to +122 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 96%
- Weight — 125 lbs
- Warranty — 5 years
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
SMA Sunny Boy Inverter 5kw SB-5.0-1SP-US-41
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Input Voltage DC — 480
- Output Voltage AC — 240
- Solar panel compatibility — 60/120, 72/144 cell
- Type — Grid-tie
- Dimensions LxWxH — 21.1 x 28.5 x 7.8 inches
- Watts — 5000
- Manufacturer — SMA America LLC
- Model — SB-5.0-1SP-US-41
- Operating Temperatures — -40 °F to +140 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 97.6%
- Weight — 57 lbs
- Warranty — 10 years
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
SolarEdge Inverter 5Kw SE5000H-US
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Input Voltage DC — 480
- Output Voltage AC — 240
- Solar panel compatibility — 60/120, 72/144 cell
- Type — Grid-tie
- Dimensions LxWxH — 17.7 x 14.6 x 6.8 inches
- Watts — 5000
- Manufacturer — SolarEdge
- Model — SE5000H-US000BNU4
- Operating Temperatures — -13 °F to +140 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 99%
- Weight — 25.6 lbs
- Warranty — 12 years, extendable to 25 years
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
Should I buy or lease my solar panels?
Although both of these options have advantages, buying solar panels is the most cost-effective way to install them. First, the federal tax credit is only available when you buy your panels. Also, leasing or purchasing a power purchase agreement (PPA) doesn’t provide the same tax credit.
Aside from providing long-term energy savings, buying solar panels also helps lower your monthly payments. They can also increase the value of your home by around $15,000.
Although leasing isn’t as cost-effective as buying, it’s still a great option for consumers. First, it eliminates the upfront cost of buying solar panels, and it’s also more affordable. It’s also more practical for people who rent their homes.
In addition to leasing, residents in Maine can also participate in community solar projects, which are similar to solar panels but allow people to share the power they produce. This method is more affordable and doesn’t require them to install solar panels on their homes.
The history of solar power in Maine
In the 1980s, Maine became one of the first states to implement its solar policies. In the following decade, it created its net metering program, which provided financial incentives for homeowners who install solar panels. Other policies such as the Renewable Portfolio Standard also emerged.
Today, Maine is regarded as one of the top 36 states in terms of solar energy generation. About 2% of the state’s electricity comes from solar power, which is enough to power over 58,000 homes. In addition, the state has been promoting the development of community solar projects, which can help more people benefit from renewable energy.