Are Solar Panels Worth It in New Hampshire?

What to consider before going solar

For many homeowners, whether solar panels are worth it comes down to upfront costs versus long-term savings. Based on feedback from hundreds of local customers, solar often pays off over time, but it’s not the right financial move for everyone.

1. How much will it cost upfront?

You could pay cash, but a lot of people finance or lease solar panels with minimal upfront costs.

The size of your system is one of the biggest solar cost factors in New Hampshire. A typical household needs about a 6 kW system. Depending on your energy needs, you might need a smaller or larger system.

Average solar panel costs by system size in New Hampshire

Think about battery storage

Solar panels only generate electricity while the sun is shining. A battery lets you store energy for later use, like at night or during a power outage. It’s worth considering if you expect your utility company to keep raising rates (and it’s essential if you want greater energy independence).

The biggest downside to a solar battery is the price. Adding one can increase your total solar costs by $7,000 to $18,000.

Anecdotally, Denise in Barrington regretted not getting a system that provides backup power during outages. “If I was to do the installation again, I would somehow try to make it so we can run the solar panels directly to the house or at least certain appliances,” she wrote in a review.

2. How much will I save over time?

Over 25 years, the average New Hampshire homeowner with solar panels is estimated to avoid $48,186 in total utility costs. That projected amount can vary based on future utility rates, your electricity use and how much power your system produces.

“We've been saving money,” M. in Hooksett wrote in a review. “This became noticeable in the spring following our installation in September two years ago. But during the winter, snow accumulation on our slightly pitched roof reduced the system’s efficiency, which led us to lose some usable time.”

Similarly, Robert in Concord seems mostly happy with his decision to go solar. He liked the lease option because it avoided a big upfront cost, but he didn’t realize solar production would drop significantly in winter.

3. Is my house a good candidate for solar panels?

This is really three questions:

• How old are your appliances? The first step is to ensure that your electrical loads are as small as possible. For instance, if you have an older refrigerator or air conditioning unit, it’s smart to upgrade those before investing in solar panels.
• What is the size and angle of your roof? Solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs. The worst place to install would be on north-facing roofs, especially if those roofs have a high pitch. If the only place you can install is a north-facing roof with a 30-degree pitch, your costs will likely go up by 30% to 40%.
• What is the condition of your roof? If you have to replace your roof, do that before you install solar panels. Solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years, so you want your roof to last just as long. Otherwise, it could cost thousands to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall the panels again.

4. How long will I stay in my house?

It takes years for electric bill savings to offset the initial cost — about 12.72 years years on average in New Hampshire. If you sell your house and move before then, you might not fully realize the financial benefits of your solar investment.

Solar panels last 25 to 30 years.

Solar panels might add 4.1% to your home’s value, but don't get solar panels just because you want to sell your house soon. Consider a home improvement project with a better return on investment, like remodeling the bathroom or kitchen, instead.

Let’s say you spend $25,000 installing solar panels on a $400,000 house. It might sell for $16,400 more in a few years. But you miss out on that $48,186 in total avoided utility costs over 25 years.

5. Am I eligible for any financial incentives?

A lot of residential solar incentives in New Hampshire have expired over the last couple of years. Some cities and towns still have a property tax exemption. It won’t help with your upfront solar panel costs, but any value the panels add to your house won’t be reflected in your property tax bill.

The 30% federal solar tax credit expired in 2025.

Eversource offers a home battery incentive worth $230 per eligible kilowatt-hour, up to $3,000, but you must enroll in a demand response program. This means the utility can use some of your stored energy during peak times, so your battery may not always be fully available for backup power.

What to know about net metering in New Hampshire

Customers of Eversource, Liberty, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative and Unitil can qualify for net metering. Net metering lets you send extra solar power back to the grid and get credit on your electric bill. A special meter tracks both the electricity you use and what your system produces, and you’re billed on the difference. It can be a good deal if you qualify.

“We've had two months now with a power bill where Eversource owe us money,” Ray in Hooksett told us. “We're selling lots of electricity back to the grid.”

Did you know?

It’s a common misconception that solar panels will completely eliminate your monthly power bill — this is not always the case.

Pros and cons of solar panels in New Hampshire

Cheaper utility bills aren’t the biggest advantage for some. “We continue to pour carbon into the atmosphere and we're all gonna pay that price so we felt going solar was the right thing to do,” Edward in Newmarket told us. Overall, he is happy with his decision to go solar and feels fortunate to be able to afford it.

For others, it’s not worth it because their systems don’t live up to expectations. Richard in Londonderry said that what his solar company promised didn’t match reality. Now, he’s still paying about the same for electricity plus a monthly solar payment.

Compare solar companies in New Hampshire

People have had mixed experiences with solar companies. In the best-case scenario, it’s easy to make the switch, and you’re happy with the system’s performance. In the worst-case scenario, you end up paying thousands for mid-tier solar equipment from a company with poor customer service and no follow-up or support. Read our guide to solar companies in New Hampshire for more.

FAQ

Bottom line: Is going solar worth it for you?

Given rising energy costs in New Hampshire and elsewhere, financing solar panels can make sense if your monthly loan payment is lower than — or close to — what you would otherwise pay for your utility, especially if you plan to stay in the home long enough to benefit from the savings. Once the system has paid for itself, the electricity it produces can significantly reduce your ongoing energy costs.

Solar costs vs. savings: New Hampshire and nearby states