In a state synonymous with its natural resources from the coast to the mountains, Maine residents have long valued environmental stewardship. Now, with increased demand for energy efficient home designs and solutions, more people than ever are doing what they can to build a sustainable environment inside and outside their homes, using tax credits, rebates and skilled, local professional services that are ready to meet people’s needs.

“These are all good trends,” said Heather Chandler, owner/founder of The SunriseGuide LLC, which publishes Green & Healthy Maine HOMES magazine. “Mainers are saving money on heating costs, we are reducing our carbon emissions, and we are all bene fitting from cleaner air.”

To meet this growing consumer interest, Chandler and the Green & Healthy Maine HOMES team are producing the Green Home + Energy Show on Saturday, Apr. 5 in South Portland. This one-day expo will fea-ture industry leaders in the worlds of solar power, heat pumps, air quality, green building and design, electric vehicles and sustainable home products.

“If you have questions about any aspect of your home and future improvements, this is the place to be,” said Chandler. “Whether you are looking to build new or upgrade an existing property, you won’t find a better collection of Maine businesses that specialize in healthy, efficient and high-performing homes.”

For people looking for resources and inspiration, here are some of the top energy efficiency trends in our state.

MORE HEAT PUMPS

Even though we have the highest percentage of heating oil use in the country, Maine residents have fully embraced heat pumps. By the end of 2023, more than 161,000 heat pumps had been installed, part of a nearly 13% reduction in fuel oil use in less than a decade. A growing number of single-family homes in Maine are heated solely with heat pumps, which saves the homeowner money and reduces emissions. According to Efficiency Maine, heating a Maine home with ductless heat pumps has an average annual cost of $2,397 compared to $3,119 to $3,469 for homes that heat with an oil boiler or furnace.

Julia Bassett Schwerin, Green & Healthy Maine HOMES writer and green realtor with Advisors Living Real Estate, found that of all new construction, single family homes listed in Maine Listings as being sold in 2024, 21% were solely heated with heat pumps. Compared to all new construction homes that closed last year, the group heated with heat pumps had the same list-to-sold ratio and yielded 1.3% more on average.*

MORE SOLAR

We’re also seeing a rapid growth in homes powered by solar electricity. According to data from the Governor’s Energy Office, the solar produced statewide in 2015 was enough to power 2,100 homes. 10 years later, the Solar Energies Industries Association (SEIA) says more than 12% of Maine’s electricity comes from solar, and enough panels have been installed to power 204,236 homes. As of September 2024, SEIA found the average price for installation in Maine declined by 43% over the last ten years.

This industry growth has been fueled by consumer interest and policy changes that make investment in solar simpler and more cost-effective. Maine law now allows 1:1 energy credits for kWh produced by home systems and no longer limits participation in community solar projects.

MORE ELECTRIC VEHICLES

The number of electric vehicles registered in Maine has nearly doubled in the last five years, and now stands at over 17,500. There has been a related increase in home charger installations which add longer term value to homes. For those concerned with powering up on a road trip, Maine currently has more than 500 public charging stations across the state, with more on the way.

The earth’s climate is at an inflection point and the stakes for the future are high. Reducing our home’s energy use and choosing cleaner energy producing methods is a powerful home-building movement that will soon become the standard we expect and from which we will all benefit. At the Green Home + Energy Show in two weeks, you’ll be able to learn more about the latest, energy efficient systems and designs for your home—and join the upward trend.

* Based on information from the Maine Real Estate Information System, Inc. (d/b/a Maine Listings) for the period 1.1.2024 through 12.31.2024 © 2025 Maine Listings.