Community solar is booming in Maine. But who owns the projects? [Video]

AUGUSTA, Maine — Maine’s community solar program, commonly known as net energy billing, has been wildly successful in incentivizing the development of small-scale solar power projects. They’ve popped up like mushrooms as developers chase the deals codified by state lawmakers, allowing them to sell power at a premium above market rates. 

Some critics point out that the situation has also allowed large corporations and private equity firms to pocket Maine ratepayers’ cash. But a Maine Monitor analysis found it’s hard to track this pattern because the ownership is often opaque, and no state entity keeps tabs on it. 

Community solar— which includes projects producing less than 5 megawatts of energy — is a bit complicated. Subscribers don’t receive power directly from the projects, but instead get credits for the power that is generated. …