Maine vs New Hampshire Solar Incentives: Which State Gets the Better Deal?
Side-by-side comparison of Maine and New Hampshire solar incentive programs in 2026: state tax credits, net metering rules, exemptions, payback period, and projected 25-year savings.
| Metric | ME · Maine | NH · New Hampshire |
|---|---|---|
| Avg Monthly Bill | $145 | $170 |
| Peak Sun Hours / Day | 4.2 | 4.3 ◆ |
| Avg $/Watt Installed | $3.05 | $3.05 |
| State Tax Credit | None | None |
| Net Metering | modified | modified |
| SREC Market | No | No |
| Property Tax Exempt | Yes | Yes |
| Sales Tax Exempt | No | No |
| Payback, pre-credit model (yrs) | 8.2 | 7.7 ◆ |
| 25-yr savings, pre-credit model | $38,100 | $42,300 ◆ |
Payback and 25-year savings were modeled while the federal residential credit applied. They are not a 2026 quote. The calculator uses $0 federal credit and state incentives only.
State Tax Credit Comparison
Maine offers no state income tax credit. New Hampshire offers no state income tax credit.
Net Metering Policies
Maine: modified rate net metering active. New Hampshire: modified rate net metering active.
Net metering is often the most economically significant solar policy because it determines how excess production is valued. Retail-rate states (where you receive full retail price for exported energy) have substantially better solar economics than avoided-cost or no-net-metering states.
Average 25-Year Savings
Maine: $38,100 over 25 years (avg payback 8.2 yrs). New Hampshire: $42,300 over 25 years (avg payback 7.7 yrs).
Verdict: Which State Wins on Solar?
New Hampshire delivers stronger lifetime solar economics than Maine due to higher solar irradiance.
Note: state averages mask significant within-state variation. Your specific utility, roof orientation, and household electricity profile drive your actual numbers — use the calculator to model your home directly.