Are there any solar incentives in New Hampshire?
Several residential solar incentives in New Hampshire have expired in recent years. However, you may still be able to take advantage of Eversource’s solar battery program and local property tax exemptions.
Solar storage battery incentive
Eversource offers eligible New Hampshire customers a home battery incentive with an upfront payment based on system capacity. Eligible homeowners can receive $230 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), up to a maximum of $3,000.
Batteries cost $7,000 to $18,000.
To qualify, you must enroll your battery in a demand response program. This allows the utility to draw on some of your stored energy during periods of high demand.
Keep in mind that your battery won’t always be fully reserved for backup power. During demand response events, some of that stored energy may be sent to the grid.
Property tax exemption
New Hampshire has an optional program that allows towns and cities to provide property tax exemptions for homeowners who install solar panels, inverters and batteries. This exemption applies to the added value that solar equipment brings to your home.
Not all municipalities in New Hampshire offer this exemption.
Normally, improvements raise your home’s value and taxes. A property tax exemption can prevent that increase. It doesn’t reduce your upfront installation cost, but it can help limit future property tax increases if your municipality offers it.
Commercial solar incentives in New Hampshire
The New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority Clean Energy Fund offers loans for commercial, local government and nonprofit projects. The maximum loan amount is $500,000. Loan terms are up to 10 years, with longer terms possible for renewable energy projects.
Pro tip
Incentive amounts and program details can vary based on your system and installer, so it’s important to review the terms carefully before signing a contract.
» LEARN: How is solar energy stored?
What happened to the federal solar tax credit?
The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) previously let homeowners claim 30% of installation costs from their federal taxes. It was phased out with the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” (OBBBA) in 2025.
Homeowners who installed solar systems before the deadline may still claim the credit, but systems installed in 2026 or later no longer qualify.
» EXPLORE: Solar incentives by state
What to know about net metering in New Hampshire
Customers of Eversource, Liberty, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative and Unitil may qualify for net metering. This program lets you send excess solar power to the grid in exchange for credits on your electric bill. A special meter tracks what you use and produce, and you’re billed for 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?
New Hampshire homeowners with solar panels avoid an estimated $48,186 in utility costs over 25 years.
Solar panel costs in New Hampshire
Average solar panel costs in New Hampshire generally range from $15,984 to $31,968.
System size is a major cost factor when going solar. A typical New Hampshire household needs a 6 kW solar system, which costs $19,200 on average. Depending on your energy needs, you might need a smaller or larger system.
Your total price also depends on whether you add battery storage to your system. Solar batteries cost $7,000 to $18,000, which can nearly double the total system price.
Average solar panel costs by system size in New Hampshire
| 5 kW | 6 kW | 7 kW | 8 kW | 9 kW | 10 kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide average | $15,984 | $19,181 | $22,378 | $25,575 | $28,771 | $31,968 |
How can I pay for solar panels?
Going solar is a major purchase. You could pay cash, but a lot of people finance or lease with minimal upfront costs.
- Solar loans work like any other home improvement loan. There’s an application and approval process. You pay it back over time (with interest) each month.
- Leasing solar panels lets you set up a system without high upfront costs. A solar company installs and maintains the panels on your property. You pay a monthly fee to use them.
» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy
Federal solar loan programs
Energy Efficient Mortgages allow homeowners to finance energy-saving upgrades, including solar systems, as part of their mortgage, often with support from federal programs like FHA or VA.
Types of Energy Efficient Mortgages
- FHA Energy Efficient Mortgages are available to many homebuyers. This lets you add money to your mortgage for energy upgrades. The upgrade cost must be less than the expected energy savings. A home energy assessment is required first.
- VA Energy Efficient Mortgages are available to military members, veterans and reservists. This lets you add up to $6,000 if energy savings justify the cost.
- Conventional Energy Efficient Mortgages are offered by private lenders (not government-backed). You can borrow up to 15% of a home’s value for energy upgrades. This may help borrowers qualify by adjusting debt-to-income rules.
Compare solar companies in New Hampshire
Working with a local solar company in New Hampshire makes it easier to understand local incentives.
| Company | Customer rating | Pro install | Max panel efficiency | Panel warranty | Payment options | Year founded | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Sunrun | Get Started | 4.3 |  | 22% | 20 years | Cash, loan, lease | 2007 |
 NuWatt Energy | Learn More | 5.0 | | Varies | 25 years | Cash, loan, PPA | 2023 |
 Venture Solar | Learn More | 5.0 | | Varies | 25 years | Cash, loan, lease | 2014 |
Solar resources in New Hampshire
Below are some additional resources to guide you through transitioning to solar in New Hampshire.
FAQ
Are solar panels worth it in New Hampshire?
Going solar is often worth it for many New Hampshire homeowners for the long-term savings on utility bills. Over 25 years, residents with solar panels avoid $48,186 in utility costs on average.
Your current electric bill is the starting point for assessing the financial benefits of transitioning to solar energy. Your average energy consumption tells you what size solar system you need. Once you know this, you can figure out potential savings and how long it should take for your solar installation to pay for itself.
» COMPARE: Best solar companies
Can I get free solar panels in New Hampshire?
No, but you can lease solar equipment or enter a power purchase agreement (PPA) with little to no upfront costs. Still, neither is totally free. Solar leases generally require a flat monthly fee; PPAs make you pay per unit of electricity.
» FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?
Is my house a good candidate for solar?
It’s best to have plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west for optimal sun exposure. It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Reducing your electrical loads now means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper.
The condition of your roof matters too — if it needs replacement soon, do that before installing solar panels. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.
Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. If you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- DSIRE, "Programs." Accessed March 25, 2026.
- New Hampshire General Court, "Section 72:61 Definition of Solar Energy Systems." Accessed March 25, 2026.
- Eversource, "New Hampshire Home Battery Storage System Incentives." Accessed March 25, 2026.
- Eversource, "Battery Storage Demand Response." Accessed March 25, 2026.
- New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority, "Program Overview & Objectives." Accessed March 25, 2026.
- New Hampshire Department of Energy, "Net Metering." Accessed March 25, 2026.
