It is not obvious that Maine has credible solar potential when compared to states such as Arizona. However, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) maps show that the year-round potential for solar energy generation in Maine is about 2/3 that of those states known for their abundant sunshine. One impediment to a full-scale harvesting of solar energy in Maine is land use. With forests covering so much of Maine, developers often turn to unused agricultural lands for siting solar arrays.
Recent legislation encourages small solar projects. However, siting, permitting, connecting to the grid, and even local resistance has slowed the contribution of solar to Maine’s renewable energy pool. Sierra Club Maine is committed to small-to-medium-scale solar farms and rooftop solar installations, and it works to ensure that the state’s goals for solar energy are met or exceeded.
Resources
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Siting guidance from the state
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NREL map of solar irradiance in the US
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Energy Information Administration state profile on Maine energy
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The Governor’s Energy Office of Maine webpage on solar
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The Nature Conservancy guidance document on siting solar generation
