Maine solar net metering: how CMP and Versant Power credit your solar

Maine's net metering program is clean and functional: state law (35-A M.R.S.A. § 3209-A) requires investor-owned utilities to credit residential solar owners at the full retail rate for excess generation sent to the grid. Central Maine Power serves the majority of Maine's population in the south and center of the state. Versant Power serves the northern and eastern regions, including Bangor and the Downeast coast. This guide covers how each utility handles solar credits, billing, and interconnection.

Central Maine Power (CMP) net metering

Central Maine Power, an Avangrid company, serves southern and central Maine: Portland, Lewiston-Auburn, Augusta, Biddeford, Saco, Westbrook, Bath, Rockland, and surrounding communities. CMP credits excess solar generation at the retail rate — approximately $0.22 to $0.26/kWh in 2026 depending on rate class. Credits apply to your monthly bill; unused credits roll forward. CMP's billing cycle is monthly, with annual reconciliation of any remaining credit balance. The treatment of year-end surplus credits is specified in your interconnection agreement.

CMP interconnection for a residential solar system typically takes 6 to 10 weeks from application submission to permission to operate. Your installer handles the application, which includes system specifications, electrical diagrams, and your CMP account details. CMP engineers review the application, issue an interconnection agreement, and schedule an inspection after installation is complete.

Versant Power net metering

Versant Power (the renamed Emera Maine, formerly Bangor Hydro) serves northern and eastern Maine: Bangor, Brewer, Ellsworth, Bar Harbor, Old Town, and the Downeast coast. Versant offers full retail-rate net metering consistent with Maine's interconnection statute. Versant's retail rates are similar to CMP's, running approximately $0.22 to $0.26/kWh in 2026. Versant's interconnection process parallels CMP's, with similar timelines of 6 to 10 weeks for residential systems.

Northern Maine homeowners in Aroostook County and some other areas may be served by smaller utilities or cooperatives. If you are not certain which utility serves your property, check your electric bill or contact Efficiency Maine for referral to the correct utility contact.

Maine net metering and your payback

At $0.22 to $0.26/kWh, Maine net metering credits are competitive with upstate New York and New Hampshire. Maine's sun resources (4.0 to 4.5 peak hours daily across most of the state, better in southern Maine) produce solid system output. The absence of a state income tax credit means Maine payback is longer than Massachusetts or New York — typically 8 to 12 years — but 25-year lifetime savings are still meaningful, commonly $25,000 to $45,000 for a well-sized Maine system. Maine electricity rates have risen historically, and future increases add to the long-term value of a solar investment. Full Maine solar cost breakdown.