Maine
⏳ Enacted — effective Jul 1, 2026Plug-In Solar Legal Guide
Maine's LD 1368 was signed on April 10, 2025, but does not take effect until July 1, 2026. You cannot legally operate a plug-in solar system in Maine until that date. The law allows systems up to 600W — matching the EU balcony solar standard — with no permit or utility approval required.
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.
This law has been signed but is not yet in effect.
LD 1368 takes effect on Jul 1, 2026. You cannot legally operate a plug-in solar system in Maine until that date. Use the calculator below to preview your savings and get notified when the law activates.
Law Summary
Last verified April 28, 2026·Maine State Legislature
Verify with your state utility commission before installing. FAQ →
Electricity Cost Trend
↑ 7.0%/yr avg — High — rates rising fastPayback Calculator
Pre-filled with Maine's average rate ($0.220/kWh) and 4.2 daily peak sun hours. Adjust sliders to match your situation.
Year-by-year table
| Year | kWh Used | Rate | Savings | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 469 | $0.220 | $103 | $103 |
| 2 | 467 | $0.235 | $110 | $213 |
| 3 | 464 | $0.252 | $117 | $330 |
| 4 | 462 | $0.270 | $125 | $455 |
| 5 | 460 | $0.288 | $133 | $587 |
| 6 | 457 | $0.309 | $141 | $728 |
| 7 | 455 | $0.330 | $150 | $879 |
| 8 | 453 | $0.353 | $160 | $1,039 |
| 9Paid off | 451 | $0.378 | $170 | $1,209 |
| 10 | 448 | $0.404 | $181 | $1,390 |
| 11 | 446 | $0.433 | $193 | $1,583 |
| 12 | 444 | $0.463 | $206 | $1,789 |
| 13 | 442 | $0.495 | $219 | $2,008 |
| 14 | 440 | $0.530 | $233 | $2,241 |
| 15 | 437 | $0.567 | $248 | $2,489 |
| 16 | 435 | $0.607 | $264 | $2,753 |
| 17 | 433 | $0.649 | $281 | $3,034 |
| 18 | 431 | $0.695 | $299 | $3,334 |
| 19 | 429 | $0.744 | $319 | $3,652 |
| 20 | 426 | $0.796 | $339 | $3,992 |
| 21 | 424 | $0.851 | $361 | $4,353 |
| 22 | 422 | $0.911 | $385 | $4,738 |
| 23 | 420 | $0.975 | $409 | $5,147 |
| 24 | 418 | $1.043 | $436 | $5,583 |
| 25 | 416 | $1.116 | $464 | $6,047 |
Best-fit kits for Maine
sorted by your payback periodHoymiles HMS-800-2T-NA Microinverter
UL 1741 dual-MPPT microinverter (North-America model). Pair with your own panels for a custom build. 99.8% MPPT efficiency, integrated WiFi monitoring. Throttle to ≤600W for Maine compliance.
APsystems EZ1 Microinverter
Plug-in dual-module microinverter for 120V circuits — the inverter used in the US Solar Supplier 810W kit. UL 1741 with built-in monitoring. Configurable output for state-cap compliance.
CraftStrom 200W Starter Kit
Single 200W bifacial panel + ETL/UL 1741 microinverter. The lowest-cost certified entry point and one of the few kits under Maine's 600W cap. Expandable — add panels later.
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.
Recommended kits for Maine
See all kits in the Kit Finder →Best-fit kits for Maine
sorted by your payback periodHoymiles HMS-800-2T-NA Microinverter
UL 1741 dual-MPPT microinverter (North-America model). Pair with your own panels for a custom build. 99.8% MPPT efficiency, integrated WiFi monitoring. Throttle to ≤600W for Maine compliance.
APsystems EZ1 Microinverter
Plug-in dual-module microinverter for 120V circuits — the inverter used in the US Solar Supplier 810W kit. UL 1741 with built-in monitoring. Configurable output for state-cap compliance.
CraftStrom 200W Starter Kit
Single 200W bifacial panel + ETL/UL 1741 microinverter. The lowest-cost certified entry point and one of the few kits under Maine's 600W cap. Expandable — add panels later.
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.
Browse the full Kit Finder
Compare every UL-certified kit, microinverter, and accessory legal in Maine — filtered by your 600W limit.
HOA & Landlord Rules
The #1 real-world blocker for renters & condo ownersMaine has no specific state law prohibiting HOAs from restricting plug-in solar. Standard HOA restrictions on exterior modifications may apply. Since plug-in systems require no permanent installation, review your HOA's rules on balcony equipment and temporary fixtures.
LD 1368 does not address landlord-tenant relations. No permanent installation is required for plug-in systems. Written landlord consent is strongly recommended. The renter-friendly nature of plug-in systems (no drilling, no wiring) makes landlord approval more likely than for rooftop solar.
Utility: Central Maine Power / Versant Power
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.