For more information and updates, see the DSIRE website:
Federal Incentives The Federal goverment provides energy-related incentives for personal and commercial applications. Solar and Wind Energy Rebate Program
PV systems: $2,000; residential solar-thermal: lesser of 30% of project cost or $2,500; residential solar-thermal Energy Star: lesser of 35% of project cost or $3,000; residential solar-thermal “Maine Home Performance”: lesser of 35% of the project cost or $3,000; commercial solar-thermal: lesser of 35% of project cost or $10,500; wind systems: to be determined by PUC
Maine Voluntary Renewable Resources Grants Maine's Voluntary Renewable Resources Grants, supported by the state's Voluntary Renewable Resources Fund and administered by the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC), provide funding Grants of up to $50,000 for small-scale demonstration projects designed to educate communities on the value and cost-effectiveness of renewable energy. These are generally available to Maine-based nonprofit organizations (including community-based nonprofits), electric cooperatives, quasi-municipal corporations and districts, and community action programs.
Efficiency Maine - Small Business Low-Interest Loan Program
Maine's Small Business Low-Interest Loan Program provides loans of up to $35,000 at 3% interest to small businesses to support approved energy efficiency measures. Efficiency Maine, a program of the Maine Public Utilities Commission (PUC), administers this program, with the assistance of the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME).
Maine's Home Energy Loan Program (HELP), initiated in September 2006, provides low-interest loans to residents for energy improvements. Under HELP, the Maine State Housing Authority provides loans ranging from $2,800 to $30,000 at a fixed interest rate of 3.95% to homeowners. (Note that rates and terms are subject to change.)
Efficiency Maine - Business (Non-Residential) Program
The Efficiency Maine Business Program provides cash incentives and free, independent technical advice to help grid-tied non-residential electric customers save energy and money, and to improve Maine’s environment. Read More Efficiency Maine - Residential Lighting Program
Efficiency Maine's Residential Lighting Program works with retailers and manufacturers to encourage the purchase of energy-efficient lighting by residential customers. Read More Northern Utilities - Residential & Commercial Energy Efficiency Programs
Northern Utilities offers rebates for multifamily customers, small/medium businesses and large businesses. Eligible multifamily buildings have more than four units, a master-metered account, and use gas heat and/or gas hot water. Customers who have a commercial or industrial building that has an annual gas usage of 40,000 therms or less qualify for the small/medium business customers program. All gas customers whose annual use exceeds 40,000 therms, plus all municipal buildings, hospitals, and universities, qualify for the large business program.
Northern Utilities offers two weatherization programs. Through the Partners in Energy Weatherization Program, customers can receive rebates of 50% to 75% of the costs associated with purchasing and installing weatherization improvements, such as attic/wall insulation and air sealing. Homeowners are eligible for 50%, up to $1,500, and tenants can receive 75% of the cost, up to $1,500. Low-income customers are eligible to receive weatherization improvements at no cost. For smaller, “do-it-yourself” weatherization projects such as installing door sweeps, pipe insulation, and caulking, Northern Utilities offers a $25 "Self Install" rebate. See the program web site for rebate forms and program details.
