Solar + Net Energy Billing for Biddeford Homeowners

Thinking about going solar in Biddeford but unsure how those CMP credits really work? You are not alone. Between rooftop systems, community subscriptions, and new 2025 rules, it can feel confusing. This guide breaks down Maine’s Net Energy Billing in plain language, shows how credits appear on your CMP bill, and outlines the steps, timelines, and incentives so you can make a confident plan. As of October 2025, policies continue to evolve, so you will see links to official resources to double-check details. Let’s dive in.

What changed in Maine’s Net Energy Billing

Maine’s Net Energy Billing program is governed by the Maine Public Utilities Commission under Chapter 313, which sets how customer credits work and how utilities implement them. You can review the current framework on the MPUC’s Net Energy Billing page for the most up-to-date rules and definitions (MPUC NEB overview).

In June 2025, lawmakers passed LD 1777, a major reform aimed at reducing costs tied to Net Energy Billing. The law reshaped compensation for many community solar projects and directed work on a successor program, while preserving standard participation for rooftop residential systems (LD 1777 summary). The Office of the Public Advocate supported these changes as a way to protect customers and slow cost growth, and it provides helpful context on the bill’s intent and projected impacts (OPA perspective).

For Biddeford homeowners, the practical takeaway is simple. If you are installing rooftop solar at your home, you can still participate in NEB. If you are considering a community solar subscription, expect changing offers as developers adjust to the new rules.

Rooftop vs. community solar in Biddeford

Rooftop solar at your home

With rooftop systems, you produce power on site. You use what you need in real time, and any excess flows to the grid and becomes banked credits under Chapter 313. CMP requires both an NEB application and a separate interconnection application before your system can generate credits (CMP NEB guidance).

Rooftop systems for homes typically use the kWh credit method, which lets you roll over credits for up to 12 months. This structure was preserved through recent policy changes, although the broader regulatory environment remains active.

Community solar subscriptions

With community solar, you subscribe to an off-site project in CMP territory and receive bill credits for your share of generation. Most projects bill you separately for the subscription while the credits appear on your CMP bill. Offers vary in discounts and terms, so read the contract carefully, especially around fees, allocation sizing, and cancellation rules.

Because credits expire after 12 months, sizing your subscription to your actual usage helps you avoid losing value. CMP’s bill shows where credits land, including any “Unused Expired Credits” line item.

How CMP credits show up on your bill

CMP displays a generation section that lists what you used, what you generated or were allocated, your banked balance, and any expired credits. Under Maine’s program, credits are handled in two ways:

• kWh credit program. Your exported energy becomes kWh credits that offset future kWh usage one for one within a 12-month window. Unused credits expire.
• Tariff (dollar) credit program. More common for non-residential accounts, exports are valued as dollar credits at a tariff rate set by the MPUC. These credits also expire and cannot push a monthly bill below zero.

Most Biddeford homeowners with rooftop systems will see the kWh credit method. Community subscribers should watch the timing and size of allocations to keep credits from expiring.

Step-by-step: Installing rooftop solar in Biddeford

• Site assessment and quotes. Confirm roof condition, shading, expected production, and whether an electrical service upgrade is needed. Getting multiple quotes is smart.
• Interconnection application to CMP. Residential Level 1 projects are typically 25 kW or smaller and follow the simplest path. CMP collects a $40 interconnection ombudsman fee per application and provides the online portal and forms (CMP interconnection portal).
• NEB application under Chapter 313. This is separate from interconnection and must be submitted so credits can be tracked and applied (CMP NEB guidance).
• Inspection and Certificate of Completion. Your licensed electrician and local officials sign off, then you submit completion documents to CMP.
• Metering and billing setup. CMP updates your account and meter and issues the Customer Net Energy Billing Agreement. Your bill will begin showing generation details and banked credits.

Typical timeline in Biddeford

• Level 1 residential systems. Often a few weeks to a few months, depending on permits, equipment lead times, installer scheduling, and CMP processing.
• Larger or complex projects. Timelines can extend if upgrades are needed under Chapter 324 procedures. Your installer will outline any added steps.

Local permits and coordination

Expect building and electrical permits through the City of Biddeford. Installers usually handle the paperwork, but confirm who is responsible. CMP may conduct final checks and will coordinate energization once all documentation is in.

Incentives and homeowner economics

Federal Residential Clean Energy Credit

The federal Residential Clean Energy Credit is currently 30% of qualified solar and battery costs for property placed in service from 2022 through 2032, then phases down after that. Review the IRS page for details on eligibility and how to claim the credit, and consult a tax professional for personal guidance (IRS Clean Energy Credit).

State programs and rebates

Maine’s current focus is on electrification and efficiency upgrades rather than a broad statewide rooftop solar rebate. Efficiency Maine offers programs that include small battery incentives and federal rebate implementation for eligible households. Check the program pages for current availability and income qualifications (Efficiency Maine programs). You can also track statewide home energy rebate rollout updates through the Maine Governor’s Energy Office (Maine GEO HEAR/HOMES info).

Key cost and savings factors

• Installed cost, including any electrical upgrades.
• The 30% federal credit’s impact on your net price.
• Monthly savings from offsetting CMP supply and delivery charges where applicable, recognizing that fixed customer charges still apply.
• For community solar, subscription fees, the size of your credit allocation, whether credits are kWh or tariff-dollar credits, the 12-month expiration rule, and cancellation or transfer terms.

Risks to watch and smart checks

• Policy and tariff changes. LD 1777 is a turning point for community solar compensation. Expect evolving subscription offers and verify tariff terms before signing long commitments (OPA perspective).
• Oversubscription. If a community project allocates more credits than you can use within 12 months, some value may expire. Size conservatively.
• Paperwork sequencing. Submit both interconnection and the Chapter 313 NEB application, and track status with your installer and CMP. The MPUC’s NEB page is a helpful reference for definitions and program mechanics (MPUC NEB overview).

Bring solar into your Biddeford real estate plan

Whether you own a vintage in-town home, a coastal retreat, or a new build, solar can be part of a thoughtful ownership plan. You can lower operating costs, improve energy resilience with batteries, and present a clear story to future buyers about your home’s performance. If you want a practical read on roof condition, solar readiness, and how upgrades fit your timing and valuation, reach out to Marika Clark for a focused, concierge consultation.

FAQs

How does Net Energy Billing appear on a CMP bill?

• CMP shows a generation section with your usage, allocated or exported generation, current banked balance, and any “Unused Expired Credits.” Credits typically roll for up to 12 months, then expire.

After LD 1777, is rooftop solar still eligible for credits?

• Yes. The reform targeted community solar economics rather than standard rooftop participation, and the federal credit remains available. Your payback depends on CMP rates, usage, roof suitability, and incentives.

What is the difference between kWh and tariff-dollar credits?

• kWh credits offset your future kWh usage one for one within a 12-month window. Tariff-dollar credits are valued at a set rate and cannot reduce your monthly bill below zero. Both expire if unused after 12 months.

Who handles permits and interconnection with CMP?

• Installers typically manage permit applications, inspections, and interconnection submissions. You still need to sign required forms as the CMP account holder and confirm status in CMP’s interconnection portal.

How do I avoid losing community solar credits?

• Size your subscription to your realistic annual usage, watch monthly allocations, and understand contract terms and fees. Keep an eye on your CMP bill for banked balances and act if credits start to build beyond what you can use.