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Sources last reviewed 2026-11-01

Content updated

Maine plug-in solar status

Law in effectLaw in effect
Where Maine stands: Maine's plug-in solar law is in effect. It allows eligible systems with combined inverter output up to 420 W AC per service address; above 420 W through 1,200 W requires a licensed electrician, a dedicated circuit with a single outlet, and utility notice within 30 days after installation.

The key facts

Bill or law
LD 1730, 35-A M.R.S. §3475
Size limit
420 W AC combined inverter tier; above 420 W through 1,200 W AC requires a Maine-licensed electrician and dedicated circuit
Signed
2026-04-06
Effective date / scope
2026-07

The limits apply to combined AC inverter output per service address, rather than the advertised DC wattage of individual panels. The 420 W tier remains subject to the statute's eligible-system conditions and applicable installation rules.

Above 420 W and up to 1,200 W AC, each system must be installed by an electrician licensed in Maine on a dedicated circuit with a single outlet. Notify the distribution utility within 30 days after installation using the Maine PUC's prescribed form and delivery instructions.

Qualifying devices cannot participate in net energy billing. The utility exemption does not remove equipment eligibility, structural, building, fire, or zoning obligations.

Installation checklist for Maine

  • Check eligible-system certification and total AC inverter output at your service address.
  • Above 420 W through 1,200 W, hire a Maine-licensed electrician and use a dedicated circuit with a single outlet for each system.
  • For output above 420 W, send the Maine PUC form to your distribution utility within 30 days after installation; use the PUC instructions linked below.
  • Confirm mounting and applicable codes; do not count on net energy billing.

Before you buy in Maine

This page is informational research, not legal advice — and it can fall out of date quickly. Before installing anything, confirm the current law and its start date, any size limit, your local building and fire codes, your utility’s requirements, that the kit is certified as a complete system, your landlord or homeowners association (HOA) rules, a safe way to mount it, and the maker’s instructions.

Maine plug-in solar FAQ

Can I install a 1,200 W kit myself in Maine?

Above 420 W AC combined inverter output, Maine requires a Maine-licensed electrician, a dedicated circuit with a single outlet for each system, and notice to the distribution utility within 30 days after installation on the PUC form. The 420 W tier still has eligibility and safety conditions.

Estimate your savings in Maine

Use the calculator to get a rough idea. For a truer number, swap the national average electricity price for your own rate (it’s on your bill), and remember that surplus power you send back may earn nothing unless your state and utility specifically pay for it.

Estimated monthly savings$12
Electricity made per year794 kWh
Time to pay off8.0 years

A planning estimate, not a promise. It doesn’t check whether plug-in solar is legal where you live, whether a kit is certified, whether your outlet or mount is suitable, or whether your utility pays for surplus power.

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