Solar power in New Hampshire

New Hampshire has been steadily growing its investment in solar energy in recent years. According to data from the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), the Granite State currently receives 1.37% of its energy from solar and has enough panels installed to power over 34,000 homes. In the next five years, New Hampshire is expected to expand its solar infrastructure by more than 130%. 

This growth makes now a great time to invest in solar energy in New Hampshire. Although solar panels will cost you a lot upfront, you can reduce these costs with New Hampshire solar incentives and save on your energy expenses in the long run. Read on to learn about the benefits and cost of solar panels in New Hampshire.

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New Hampshire solar panel cost

The cost of solar in New Hampshire ultimately depends on the size of your system, the type of panels, equipment, and installer you choose, and more. Since solar installations are customizable, total costs can vary significantly. However, according to Find Energy, the average cost of a residential system is $4.22 per watt in New Hampshire. For a typical 6-kilowatt (kW) system, your total cost comes to about $25,338.

Only about 30% of the total cost of solar system installation comes from the inverters and panels alone. Inspections, wiring, permitting, mounting, and labor can increase the overall price of installation. Keep in mind, though, that these costs are all before tax credits and incentives, which we’ll discuss more below.

Here’s how the cost of solar panels in New Hampshire compares with the U.S. average.

*Estimated panel count is based on the average panel size ranging from 300 to 400 watts.

How does New Hampshire solar save you money?

Going solar in New Hampshire can mean a significant investment. However, you can save money upfront by taking advantage of solar incentives and save in the long run with reduced energy bills for the life of your solar panels, usually 25–30 years.

First, there’s the 30% federal tax credit, available through 2032 before it begins to decrease and eventually disappear in 2035. This credit can help you recover $7,600 from the average upfront cost of solar panels in New Hampshire when you file your next tax return.

Then consider your energy savings, which can be substantial. The average household in New Hampshire spends $187.91 on electricity, and solar panels can offset most or all of this cost. You could recoup the cost of a solar system in under eight years.

Here’s an overview of what a solar system might cost you before tax credits and incentives to help you compare your potential costs and savings.

*Estimated panel count is based on the average panel size ranging from 300 to 400 watts.

The best New Hampshire solar panel incentives or rebates

Federal tax incentives and state rebates could help you offset the out-of-pocket cost of your residential solar system. There are numerous New Hampshire solar incentives and federal tax credits that you can take advantage of.

If you install solar energy in your New Hampshire home, you may be able to claim the Residential Clean Energy Credit. Included in the Inflation Reduction Act, this credit allows eligible participants to claim 30% of the total cost on their federal taxes on systems purchased between 2022 and 2032. The credit helps make solar accessible to more residents because it offsets installation costs. 

On top of the federal tax credit, the state of New Hampshire ensures you will not have to pay property tax on the value solar panels add to your home. 

Solar incentives in Manchester

Residents of Manchester can take advantage of the city’s property tax exemption for solar installations. You won’t have to pay taxes on 100% of the assessed value of your solar system.

• You can access this incentive when you file your property taxes.
• It applies to not only solar panels but also solar heating and cooling systems, solar water heaters, and solar batteries.

Solar incentives in Nashua

Residents of Nashua can also take advantage of the same property tax exemption for solar panels, solar heating and cooling systems, solar water heaters, and solar energy storage systems. 

Why choose New Hampshire solar power?

Solar energy in New Hampshire offers several benefits, including reducing your energy costs, gaining energy independence, and reducing your carbon footprint.

Lower energy costs

Installing solar panels in your New Hampshire home requires a financial investment upfront. However, once you begin using solar energy, your monthly electric bill may decrease. In New Hampshire, you can even sell any excess energy your solar panels produces back to the power grid for a credit to help offset the cost. Your solar system will likely pay for itself after around seven or eight years. Once you have recouped your initial investment, you will enjoy lower utility bills for the life of your home. Another bonus is that your home value may increase up to $15,000 when you install a solar system.

Establish energy independence

Solar panels are a great solution for anyone looking for more energy independence. In situations that lead to high demand on the power grid, you can rely on your solar energy supply. If you choose to install a backup battery with your system, you do not have to worry about power outages. Your solar system even helps to curb the country’s dependence on imported fossil fuels.

Go green

Renewable energy may be cost-effective for your home, but it is also invaluable to the planet. Unlike fossil fuels, solar energy generationdoes not emit greenhouse gasses and other pollution into the atmosphere. 

Studies by the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy show that solar energy can mitigate climate change, reduce pollution-related healthcare costs, and decrease water scarcity. Going solar is an easy way to reduce your New Hampshire home’s carbon footprint.

Should I buy or lease my solar panels?

New Hampshire homeowners can buy or lease a residential solar system. Some homeowners or renters can participate in community solar sharing, which is when you buy solar energy from a shared solar farm in a central location. Despite an initial investment, purchasing your system upfront is more cost-effective in the long term. 

The biggest benefit of buying your solar system is recouping the costs in savings from your monthly electric bills. Another advantage is that your home’s resale value can increase by up to $15,000 after installation. Buying your solar panels also qualifies you for federal tax credits or state incentives.

Here are the pros and cons of each option for purchasing solar energy in New Hampshire.

New Hampshire solar panel companies

Although solar panels have many benefits, homeowners should research solar power installation first. There are many reputable New Hampshire solar installation companies to choose from, and SaveOnEnergy works with reputable contractors to help you find the right fit for your project. 

Learning about the solar industry may save you time and hassle in the long run. The resources available through SaveOnEnergy are a great place to start. You can fill out this form or call our energy experts at the number on your screen.

Solar installer	Year founded	Financing options	Warranty terms
	2018	Cash purchase or solar loan	30-year performance warranty, 25-year panel warranty, and 25-year quality guarantee
	1985	Cash purchase, solar loan, or lease	25-year full system warranty
	2007	Cash purchase, solar loan, or lease	10-year quality warranty; customers who lease their systems receive coverage on maintenance and monitoring

What to look for in a solar contractor

Before deciding on a solar installer, it’s important to do some careful research. Consider each company’s customer service ratings and years of experience. Look for companies that offer well-reviewed equipment and lengthy warranty coverage on their work. Only work with installers who have reputable industry certifications from organizations such as the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

Beware of free solar panels in New Hampshire scam

As you’re exploring your options for solar power in New Hampshire, you may come across enticing offers for “free solar panels in New Hampshire.” Unfortunately, these are likely just scams designed to trap you into an unfavorable contract or steal sensitive information. Solar will cost you a significant amount upfront, but it can save you much more in the long run.

Important solar installation factors to consider

Before leaping into solar panel installation, there are several factors to consider. Not all homes are suited for optimal solar harvesting, even when you live in an ideal climate.

• Roof condition:Your home’s roof plays a huge role in determining how well solar panels will perform. The size, position, shape, and even the slope of your roof can increase or decrease panel effectiveness. A south-facing roof is considered optimal, especially when angled at 15 to 40 degrees. 
• Sunlight: Although it depends on where you live in New Hampshire, most areas see over 100 days a year with sunny or partly sunny weather. However, the most important factor is that there are no trees or other objects obstructing sunlight from your roof. Your panels won’t be able to generate as much electricity if they don’t receive sun. 
• Neighborhood requirements: Some neighborhoods restrict construction on a home’s exterior. Before installing solar panels, ensure your HOA or local community doesn’t require prior approval. The company that installs your panels may also be able to help you navigate any rules or restrictions.