Solar power in Maine on rooftops can provide 24% of all electricity used in Maine.[1] A 2012 estimate suggests that a typical 5 kW system costing $25,000 before credits and utility savings will pay for itself in 14 years, and generate a profit of $24,683 over the rest of its 25 year life.[2]
Net metering is available to all consumers for up to at least 100 kW generation. Excess generation is rolled over each month but is lost once each year.[3] Maine is given a B for net metering and an A for interconnection.[4]
In October 2007, Maine's largest solar array was the 15.12 kW solar array installed at Maple Hill Farm in Hallowell for $166,000,[5] which through June 11, 2012 has generated 73,416 kWh.[6] Since then average solar costs have dropped substantially, and continue to decline.
In 2011 Maine's largest solar array, 41 kW, was installed on the roof of a new, LEED Platinum grocery store in Augusta.[7][8] A 500 kW system is proposed for otherwise unusable land at the former Loring Air Force Base.[9]
Installed capacity [edit]
Solar insolation in Maine is roughly 33% greater than Germany, the leader in solar installations in 2012.[10]
| Grid-Connected PV Capacity (MW)[12][13][14][15][16] |
| Year |
Capacity |
Installed |
% Change |
| 2007 |
0.2 |
|
|
| 2008 |
0.3 |
|
50% |
| 2009 |
0.3 |
|
0% |
| 2010 |
0.5 |
0.2 |
67% |
| 2011 |
1.1 |
0.6 |
120% |
See also [edit]
References [edit]
External links [edit]
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