Cost of Solar Panels in New Hampshire (2026)

How much do solar panels cost in New Hampshire?

Average solar panel installation costs generally range from $14,400 to $28,800 in New Hampshire.

The table below does not include the cost of a solar battery. Adding battery storage to your system typically costs another $7,000 to $18,000.

Average solar panel costs by system size in New Hampshire

Are solar panels worth it in New Hampshire?

Going solar is often worth it for New Hampshire homeowners because of long-term utility bill savings. Over 25 years, residents with solar panels avoid $35,806 in utility costs on average. Some homeowners say the environmental benefits make solar worthwhile.

Homeowners with solar panels can typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

Edward in Newmarket put it this way: “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.” Since going solar, Edward only pays about $13 each month, “and that amount is the utility charge to be connected to the grid. So we're not paying anything for electricity.”

Similarly, Robert in Litchfield says he now only pays a $12.95 monthly energy bill from Eversource.

Hidden costs of solar in New Hampshire

Some homeowners report paying more than expected due to unclear contract terms. For example, Douglas in Rochester said he was quoted about $20,000 for his solar system, but after signing (on his phone), the total cost ended up closer to $50,000.

Review contracts carefully before signing.

Douglas also reported higher-than-expected payments, ongoing electric bills and limits on making changes to his system.

Another resident, Denise in Barrington, was surprised to still have two monthly payments, one for solar and one for her utility. She said this was not clearly explained upfront.

Denise also expected her solar panels to provide backup power during outages, but found out her system shuts off when the grid goes down. That can be a major drawback if you don’t have battery backup or other outage-ready equipment.

Solar panel installation cost factors in New Hampshire

The equipment — panels, inverters, mounting hardware and other electrical accessories — is typically the largest portion of your overall solar costs (approximately 25% to 50%).

• Solar panels: Prices vary by efficiency rating. In general, monocrystalline panels are considered the best value. Cheaper solar panels are typically polycrystalline.

• Solar batteries: Solar batteries store energy for later use and can be especially helpful if you want backup power or greater energy independence. Prices often depend on the battery’s storage capacity, lifespan, brand and other factors. Expect to pay between $7,000 and $18,000, though some cost $30,000 or more.

• Solar inverters: Inverters convert solar power from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC). Inverter costs typically range from $1,000 to $3,000.

• Monitoring system: Some companies include a solar monitoring system to track energy production and identify potential issues. If not, you can buy a standalone system for $80 to $400.

Size of your system

The cost difference between a 6-kilowatt system and a 7-kilowatt system is thousands of dollars. The average New Hampshire household needs a 12.83 kW system to offset most of its energy use. Your ideal system size may be larger or smaller depending on your electricity consumption.

First, look at your electric bill. It should say how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) you used last year. Then, divide that number by 1,200 to estimate your system size in kilowatts (kW).

For example, if you used 12,000 kWh of electricity last year, you would need a 10-kW system. If you used 10,800 kWh, you would need a 9-kW system.

Pro tip

Upgrade old appliances with more eco-friendly ones before you go solar. If you use less electricity, you need fewer solar panels, making the whole system more cost-effective.

» WATT’S THE DIFFERENCE? kW vs. kWh

Condition of your roof

Quality solar panels should last 25 to 30 years, so you need your roof to last just as long. Otherwise, you’ll have to pay to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall them again. This is a frustrating and expensive process you should avoid if you can. If you’ve been thinking about replacing your roof, it’s a good idea to do that before getting solar panels.

ConsumerAffairs often hears from disgruntled solar customers who felt blindsided by expensive roof repairs needed after their solar panel installation was complete. If you want to ensure a seamless and cost-effective solar journey, your roof must match the system's longevity. Get your roof inspected, fixed or replaced before you get a solar energy system.

Pro tip

If you have an electric car, ask about EV charger options. Homeowners in more rural parts of New Hampshire should also consider critter guards to protect the panels.

» RELATED: How many solar panels do you need for your house?

Regional solar considerations in New Hampshire

Whether solar is worth it also depends on where you live in New Hampshire. The state only gets 3 to 3.5 peak sun hours daily. Lots of shading — like tall trees above your roof — will make your solar system less efficient. Since solar panels generate more power with more sunlight, this can affect the financial returns on your investment.

Seasonal dips in energy production can be an issue, too. Robert in Concord said his system works great in the summer, “but with winter coming on, I didn't realize that it would be that significantly dropped as far as how many kilowatts I get per day.” However, he’s still happy with the system overall.

We suggest using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory's PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. 

» STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

How to compare solar quotes

Get quotes from at least three to four different solar companies. Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage. Similar to “cost per square foot” when buying a house, “cost per watt” allows you to compare the relative value of a solar panel system. It shows you the per-dollar price of your system’s energy production potential.

Typical costs are $2.50 to $5 per watt. According to our latest research, the average cost per watt is $2.88 in New Hampshire.

How can I pay for solar panels in New Hampshire?

You have options when it comes to paying for your solar system. You can pay cash upfront, take out a solar loan, lease your system or get a power purchase agreement (PPA).

• Solar loans work like any other type of 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 the high upfront costs. Monthly payments usually range $150 to $250. Agreements last 20 to 25 years.

• Power purchase agreements is are similar to leasing. With a PPA, you pay for the electricity the system produces at an agreed-upon rate. Some contracts include annual rate increases, so check the escalator and total cost before signing.

» SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

Solar incentives in New Hampshire

Many residential solar incentives in New Hampshire have expired in recent years, but a few incentives can still help lower solar costs:

The 30% federal solar tax credit expired in 2025.

• Eversource battery incentive: Eligible customers can get $230 per kWh of battery capacity, up to $3,000.

• Property tax exemption: Some cities and towns let homeowners exclude some or all of a solar system’s value from property taxes.

What to know about net metering in New Hampshire

Net metering gives you bill credits for extra solar power you send to the grid.

Eversource, Liberty, Unitil and New Hampshire Electric Cooperative all offer some form of net metering, but the rules vary by utility.

For Eversource, Liberty and Unitil customers, the current program is known as NEM 2.0. Customers who enroll under it can keep those terms through 2040.

One resident, Ray in Hooksett, said his system was producing enough extra power that “Eversource owe us money” after two months of bills.

Compare solar companies in New Hampshire

We compared ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to pick the top solar companies in New Hampshire.

FAQ

Bottom line

Home solar system costs typically range from $15,000 to $30,000 or higher, depending on factors such as system size, local labor rates and available incentives.

The ConsumerAffairs Research Team has conducted extensive research to compare the costs of going solar in New Hampshire and other states.

Solar costs vs. savings: New Hampshire and nearby states