Solar Decommissioning

Effective October 18, 2021, Maine law requires developers of solar power projects that occupy 3 or more acres to have an approved decommissioning plan and accompanying financial assurance sufficient to cover the cost decommissioning as outlined in the plan.  The law applies to projects on which construction starts on or after October 1, 2021, as well as to projects that undergo a transfer of ownership after October 1, 2021. 

The Department is responsible for administering the law in all organized municipalities and in the unorganized and deorganized parts of Maine typically served by the Land Use Planning Commission if (a) the solar energy development requires a permit under the Site Location of Development Law or (b) straddles an organized/unorganized boundary.

Approval of a solar energy development decommissioning plan may be obtained by filing an application with the Department.

Statutory sections

The Solar Decommissioning Law is contained in 35-A M.R.S. §§ 3491 through 3496. 

Forms

• Solar decommissioning application form
• Solar decommissioning minor revision application form – for use by the holder of a Site Law permit, with a solar decommissioning condition, who would like to align its Site Law permit with the Solar Energy Development Decommissioning Law
  • Site Location of Development Law - Minor Revision Application Background
• Solar decommissioning public notice form
  • Public notice instructions

Contacts

Most Land Bureau inquiries can be made using one of the fillable forms above.  Submitting the online form ensures that your inquiry, complaint or request for information will be viewed and responded to as soon as possible by a Bureau staff person. Because of the high volume of inquiries, it may take several days for you to receive a response or follow up.