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Maine

⏳ Enacted — effective Jul 15, 2026

Plug-In Solar Legal Guide

LD 1730 signed by Gov. Janet Mills on April 6, 2026. Effective ~July 15, 2026 (90 days after legislative adjournment). Two-tier system: under 420W can self-install with no utility notification; 420W–1,200W requires a licensed electrician and utility notification within 30 days (but no prior approval). Maine raised the cap significantly from the earlier LD 1368 framework (600W) — the new law allows up to 1,200W.

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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →

Payback Calculator

Pre-filled with Maine's average rate ($0.220/kWh) and 4.2 daily peak sun hours. Adjust sliders to match your situation.

Best-fit kits for Maine

sorted by your payback period
7yr payback~$3,501 lifetime savings

CraftStrom 400W Eco Line Plug-In Kit

400W Eco Line bifacial panel + ETL/UL 1741 microinverter. Fits Maine's 600W cap and now Virginia and Maryland's 1,200W caps.

Output
400W
Lifespan
25 yrs
●Panel warranty: 25 yr
●Inverter: 10 yr
ETLUL1741
$530~$76/yr avg cost
Shop Now →

Payback estimates use your current slider settings with each product's wattage and price. We earn an affiliate commission on purchases at no extra cost to you.

Default: 4.2h/day (Maine avg)
$1,200
$900$2,200
800W
400W1200W
60%
30%100%
$0.220/kWh
$0.080/kWh$0.400/kWh
Rate Escalation Scenario
Year 1 Generation
625 kWh
52 kWh/mo
Year 1 Savings
$138
$11/mo
Payback Period
8 yrs
by year 8
25-Year Savings
$8,063
net $6,863
ℹPanels typically last 25–30 years with a 25-year output warranty. Microinverters carry a 10–25 year warranty depending on brand. Battery modules degrade faster — expect 10–15 years before capacity drops below 80%. The 25-year savings figure above assumes the panel and inverter run for the full window; budget ~$200–$400 for an inverter swap around year 15 if needed.
Cumulative Savings vs. Break-even ($)
Selected scenario2% escalation8% escalationBreak-even
Year-by-year table
YearkWh UsedRateSavingsCumulative
1625$0.220$138$138
2622$0.235$146$284
3619$0.252$156$440
4616$0.270$166$606
5613$0.288$177$783
6610$0.309$188$971
7607$0.330$200$1,172
8Paid off604$0.353$213$1,385
9601$0.378$227$1,612
10598$0.404$242$1,854
11595$0.433$257$2,111
12592$0.463$274$2,385
13589$0.495$292$2,677
14586$0.530$311$2,988
15583$0.567$331$3,319
16580$0.607$352$3,671
17577$0.649$375$4,046
18574$0.695$399$4,445
19572$0.744$425$4,870
20569$0.796$452$5,322
21566$0.851$482$5,804
22563$0.911$513$6,317
23560$0.975$546$6,863
24557$1.043$581$7,444
25555$1.116$619$8,063
Calculator AssumptionsSavings estimates are projections based on average sun hours, self-consumption assumptions, and rate escalation scenarios. Actual results vary by roof orientation, shading, usage patterns, and local rate schedules. The federal ITC for residential solar expired December 31, 2025.

Law Summary

LD 1730LD 1730 Full Text (legislature.maine.gov)

Last verified May 31, 2026·Maine Legislature — LD 1730

Signed
Apr 2026
Effective
Jul 2026
Max size
1200W AC
Rate/kWh
$0.220
Sun hrs
4.2h/day
Utility
Central Maine
No permitNo utility approvalNo net meteringITC expired

Verify with your state utility commission before installing. FAQ →

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.

Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 7.0%/yr avg — High — rates rising fast
Rates up 40% over the past 5 years
From $0.157/kWh in 2021 → $0.220/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.
7.0%
avg. annual increase
Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)
$0.157
2021
$0.168
2022
$0.180
2023
$0.192
2024
$0.206
2025
$0.220
2026
20-year projected rate
$0.851/kWh
at 7.0%/yr escalation
Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*
$4,619
vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)
Best time to go solar
Now
Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

HOA & Landlord Rules

The #1 real-world blocker for renters & condo owners
Can my HOA block it?
◎ Not addressed by state law
Protected under: LD 1730 (2026)

The law does not contain an explicit HOA override. Tenants are allowed to install without explicit landlord consent, but HOA governing documents may still apply — check your HOA rules.

Can my landlord block it?
✗ Landlord may restrict installation

Tenants may install qualifying devices without explicit landlord permission, but must not damage the property and must remove the device when they leave. Landlord may impose reasonable placement restrictions.

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Practical tip for Maine renters and condo owners: Because plug-in solar requires no permanent installation — just an outlet — it is in a different legal category from rooftop solar. Many HOAs and landlords have not specifically addressed it in their rules. Ask in writing before assuming either yes or no.
Primary source

Utility: Central Maine Power / Versant Power

Net metering
✗ Not available
Interconnection
✓ Not required
Stance
Neutral stance

Central Maine Power (CMP) and Versant Power do not offer net metering for plug-in solar systems. LD 1368 classifies plug-in systems as 'zero-export' — excess generation is not credited. No interconnection agreement is required for compliant systems under 600W. Neither CMP nor Versant Power formally opposed LD 1368 during the legislative process.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does Maine's plug-in solar law take effect?
~July 15, 2026 (90 days after the legislature adjourns). Gov. Mills signed LD 1730 on April 6, 2026.
What is the watt cap in Maine?
1,200 watts. Systems under 420W can be self-installed with no utility notification. Systems 420W–1,200W require a licensed electrician and utility notification within 30 days of installation (no prior approval needed).
Do I need to tell Central Maine Power or Versant?
Only if your system is over 420W. You must notify your utility within 30 days of installation, but you do not need prior approval and no fee can be charged.
Can my landlord or HOA block it in Maine?
Tenants can install without explicit landlord permission under LD 1730, but you must not damage the property and must remove it when you leave. HOA rules are not explicitly overridden — check your HOA documents.
Is there net metering in Maine for plug-in solar?
No. Plug-in solar under LD 1730 is zero-export / self-consumption only. Your system offsets what you use in real time, but excess power is not credited to your bill.
Electrical Safety WarningPlug-in solar systems involve electrical connections that can cause fire, shock, or property damage if installed incorrectly. Only use UL-listed equipment. Do not modify wiring, exceed outlet amperage ratings, or bypass any safety device. Consult a licensed electrician when in doubt. This site does not provide installation advice.