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Taking steps toward making your home and vehicles more efficient can feel overwhelming, but in the long run, these upgrades can save you money and lessen the impacts of climate change. To make these actions approachable, try making your own “climate action plan” to slowly prepare and upgrade your home and vehicles with more efficient solutions. Even if you’re waiting for your oil furnace to get through one more Maine winter, you can prepare now by selecting a replacement that works for you and saves you money down the road.
Here’s an overview of efficiency solutions and available rebates to consider for your home or vehicle.
Home Energy Efficiency
The following incentives are available for energy efficiency upgrades through Efficiency Maine. Visit their website to learn more.
Visit EfficiencyMaine.com for more details.
Solar
There are three primary ways to support renewable solar energy and save money on your monthly electric bill.
1. Community Solar: Subscription: Community solar farms are large solar arrays that serve multiple customers. By subscribing to community solar, you are helping to support the development of renewable energy while also saving money on your monthly electric bill. The subscription contracts are managed by third-party providers, so customers don't directly receive tax credits or renewable energy credits (RECs), but they do save money while supporting renewable energy. Customers don't need to own their home to subscribe to community solar and there is typically no sign-up or cancellation cost, so this model offers the lowest barrier to entry to support renewable energy development. There are many companies in Maine that offer community solar subscriptions, and we recommend that residents complete thorough research before deciding which company is right for them. A full list of registered community solar providers in Maine can be found here. Learn more about Community Solar Subscriptions.
2. Community Solar: Ownership: Some community solar providers also offer the option for customers to purchase solar panels located on a community solar farm, this offers essentially the same benefits as having solar panels on your roof, except the panels are offsite. This means that customers directly receive available tax credits and renewable energy credits (RECs). Ownership models have higher upfront costs than subscription models, but once the panels are paid for in full, your monthly electric costs will decrease. This is a great option for someone ready to make a long-term investment in solar but who is unable to put panels on their roof. Locally, Revision Energy offers this ownership model, but customers should again do thorough research to find the provider and model that works best for them.
3. Rooftop Solar Panels: Perhaps the best know solar option, this model means purchasing or financing and installing solar panels directly on your roof. While the upfront cost can be higher, many providers now offer loan programs and payment plans to match your typical monthly electricity bill cost so that there is little to no additional monthly cost to the customer. Once the panels are fully paid off, customers enjoy greatly reduced electric costs while supporting renewable energy. Learn more about rooftop solar and available tax credits.
Electric Vehicles
There is currently a lot of momentum in the electric vehicle (EV) space - more makes and models that serve a broader group of users are being released and charging infrastructure is expanding statewide and nationally.
All-Electric vs. Plug-In Hybrid: All-Electric vehicles run only on electric charge and do not take gasoline. Plug-In Hybrids use both electricity and gasoline. Total range is similar, but plug-in hybrids give customers the option to top off their tank with gasoline and not rely on charging. All-Electric vehicles do not emit any carbon into the atmosphere and offer lower yearly maintenance cost as EVs have much fewer moving parts and pieces to maintain compared to gasoline/diesel engines.
Range: All-Electric EV mileage on a single charge can range from 100-300+ miles. The typical American drives 37 miles per day, leaving ample range leftover. Range does decrease when it's extremely cold outside and when driving at highway speeds.
Charging: There are 3 levels of charging:
- Level 1: These are chargers that you can just plug into an outlet in your garage, and often are supplied with EV purchase. They only charge 4-6 miles per hour, but can be all you need to recoup your daily use overnight.
- Level 2: These are the most common chargers available to the public currently. It takes 4-6 hours for a car to fully charge using a Level 2 charger - but they can offer just enough charge to keep you going on a busy day. Level 2 chargers can also be installed at your home.
- Level 3: Also called DC Fast Chargers, can fully charge your vehicle in under an hour. These types of chargers are being installed via a State initiative within key corridors across the state and are expected to become the norm in the future.
Find the chargers closest to you, including the public chargers available in Falmouth!
Rebates and Tax Credits: State rebates and Federal tax credits are available toward the purchase of an electric vehicle for both personal and business use, and can total up to $9500 off the cost of an EV. Learn more about:
Get more information about EVs and the makes and models available today!
Cycling Resources
Bicycle Repair Stations
The Town recently installed two bicycle repair stations at the Route 88 and Town Landing/Johnson Road intersection and on Route 1 in front of Falmouth Shopping Center. The repair stations include repair tools and an air pump for cyclists to fix their bikes on the go. The Recycling and Energy Advisory Committee (REAC) recommended funding for the repair stations in the FY23 budget to encourage bicycle use as an alternative means of transportation to cars.
Bicycle Rack Map