Regulatory Trend. Phasing Out Solar Incentives. Northeast Edition. 5 Points new Regulations.

Maine Public Utility Regulators are working to phase out solar incetives for homeowners.

How did Maine get to the point of phasing out solar incentives? The legislature did not pass a bill to continue the solar incentives.

What is the current incentive for residential rooftop solar? excess power is compensated with a credit at the full retail rate of that electricity. Yes, Maine is a net metering state.

What is the Maine PUC proposed rollback? 

•  Grandfather all existing net-meter customers
• Extend grandfathering to any who install solar before Jan. 1, 2018
• Allow the current incentives for grandfathered customers for 15 years
• New customers who install solar over the next 10 years receive a credit on the transmission and distribution portion of the electric bill, which is decreased at a rate of 10% each year
  • That’s confusing what does it means? Rooftop solar installed on 1/2/18 would have a 90% net metering credit for 15 years.

Portland Press Herald | With incentives bill killed, PUC solar rules ready for enactment