This article is updated periodically as we develop more solar projects throughout Maine.
Updated February 23, 2026
Summary
Low to moderate-income members will start saving on their electricity bills about 2-3 months after signing up to join the cooperative. Learn more about eligibility.
All other members will be assigned to projects in the second half of 2026.
Until you’re assigned to a project, no changes will take effect on your utility account. Continue paying your Central Maine Power bill as usual until your assignment is confirmed.
Community solar can be confusing. Our goal is to make it simple. Check out answers to common questions below and learn when you'll start saving on your electricity bills.
Will I start saving on my electricity bills instantly?
No. When you sign up to join the cooperative, you will not see any immediate changes on your Central Maine Power (CMP) electricity bill.
When will I start saving?
You will start saving on your electricity bills after your utility account is assigned to a solar project.
Here's what happens behind the scenes:
- Sign up
Become a member of the cooperative and connect your utility account. This step lets our team review your electricity usage and begin the process of matching you to a solar project. - Get assigned to a solar project
When a spot opens up, we’ll assign your account to one of our solar projects. You will be notified at least two months before any changes to your account.
Until you’re assigned to a project, no changes will take effect on your utility account. Continue paying your Central Maine Power bill as usual until your assignment is confirmed. - We generate electricity
Electricity generated by our projects is applied to your electricity bill as credits. You will never receive more credits than you need. - You save
We send a bill that includes discounts on your total electricity costs. Your bill will never be more what it would be without solar.
Learn more: How it Works | How it Works for Low- to Moderate-Income Households
When will I get assigned to a solar project?
In keeping with our mission to reduce electricity costs for all Mainers, low to moderate-income households get assigned to solar projects first.
Low to moderate-income members: There is available capacity in our first solar projects. Sign up to join the cooperative today and you can be assigned to a solar project in winter/spring 2026.
All other members will be assigned to projects in the second half of 2026.
When are MCPC's solar projects going to be operational?
Check out an update on our solar project development below:
Solar Projects
Project Capacity
Project Timeline
Forest Keep Solar Farm
Harrison
~100 households
There is still capacity in this project for low to moderate-income members.
Operational: January 2026
We started assigning low to moderate-income members to this solar project in January 2026.
Additional members will be assigned to this project throughout winter/spring 2026.
Projects 3-8
Throughout Maine
~400 households
These projects will add capacity for hundreds of members.
Operations: July-December 2026
Our team is developing projects throughout the state, scheduled to begin construction as soon as the snow melts in the spring. These projects will be operational in the second half of 2026.
Questions? We're here to help. Contact us by emailing support@mainecommunitypower.com.