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Best Solar Companies in New Hampshire

We compared 71 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Sunrun
      4.2(3,032)
    • ShopSolar
      4.7(157)

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      Best Solar Companies in New Hampshire

      If you’re ready to go solar in New Hampshire but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. ConsumerAffairs is here to help you compare your options and get the best deal.

      Our research team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read our full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,568,019 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best solar companies reviewed

      Our top solar company picks

      1. Sunrun: Solar leases
      2. ShopSolar: DIY projects
      Our pick for solar leases

      Sunrun

      4.2
      3,032 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2007

      Sunrun has a lease program that lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment. There’s no initial charge for any panels or other equipment, installation or permits. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it.

      Local customers have good things to say about Sunrun, too. Robert in Concord said about Sunrun’s leasing program, “I looked at some other [companies], and it was gonna cost me at least $20,000 upfront to buy these panels and get them put up on the house.” He was also “very impressed with their crew and the work they did.”

      Another resident, Gerald in Barrington, told us that “the installment crew did an awesome and neat job.” Robert in Litchfield described the enrollment process as “effortless and painless” and customer service reps as “friendly and helpful.”

      Seasonality might affect your energy production, particularly in colder months. “For the summer months, Sunrun has done beautifully. 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. But on the whole system, I'm very happy,” Robert in Concord told us.

      Sunrun is a leading residential solar, battery storage and energy services provider in the United States. The company pioneered solar-as-a-service models, making clean energy adoption accessible to homeowners through flexible purchase, leasing and payment plans without large upfront costs. Its Brightbox battery storage system works with both Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem lithium-ion batteries.

      Sunrun services

      • Custom solar designs 
      • Full-service installation 
      • Financing solutions 
      • Monitoring and maintenance
      • EV charging stations

      Sunrun offers warranty coverage, system maintenance and a performance guarantee. The warranty covers workmanship and equipment for 10 years. The 95% performance guarantee lasts 25 years. Sunrun also stands out for offering roof leak protection.

      You can also pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun’s leasing plans really set it apart from other solar options. There’s no initial charge for any solar equipment, installation or permit. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it.

      • Loans: As of publishing, available discounts include $0 down for some financing plans. Monthly payments vary.
      • Leases: You can lease solar equipment for a minimal upfront payment. Monthly payments vary. Contracts typically last for 25 years. Leased systems typically come with free maintenance and repairs.

      Pros

      • Long time in business
      • Flexible payment options
      • Comprehensive warranties
      • Daily system monitoring

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Limited price transparency

      ShopSolar

      4.7
      157 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      Varies
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar is an awesome place to buy solar equipment for do-it-yourself projects. We like that it has a nice selection of equipment, fast deliveries and good communication. You can find new and used solar panels, solar storage batteries, inverters, charge controllers, cabling and hardware, mounts and racks — everything needed for an off-grid or hybrid setup. It’s great if you want to install solar equipment on homes, RVs and outbuildings.

      Some customers experienced problems with their purchases, such as damaged or faulty equipment. Generally, ShopSolar resolved these issues with refunds or replacements.

      The important thing to keep in mind is that ShopSolar doesn’t offer professional installation services. It’s best to know a little about solar panels and electrical work. Otherwise, you might get frustrated with the process or install something incorrectly.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros, cons and installation guide

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that sells custom solar kits and other equipment, such as generators, batteries, cables and racks. You can find top-quality brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      ShopSolar products

      • New and used solar panels
      • Solar generator bundles
      • Custom solar kits
      • Batteries, inverters, mounts and racks
      • Additional hardware and accessories

      ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties. If you run into a warranty issue, reps can help you contact the equipment manufacturer.

      You pay for your order in full upfront through ShopSolar’s secure website. It also has financing options for as little as $0 down.

      • Online payments: Accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International.
      • Financing: Partners with Affirm on financing. Customers can make payments every two weeks or once a month for up to 36 months. Rates range from 0% to 36% APR as of publishing.

      Pros

      • Free shipping
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

      New Hampshire solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve heard from more than 100,000 verified solar customers since 2018. A couple of things we know for sure: People like powering their homes with a reliable source of cheap, clean energy. They don’t like getting into solar contracts that don’t meet their expectations. Here’s what to expect and what to look out for when buying solar panels in New Hampshire.

      Key insights

      In New Hampshire, a typical residential solar panel system costs $11,655 to $33,300, depending on the size of your system and what financial incentives you qualify for.

      Jump to insight

      The federal investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant financial incentive for buying solar panels in New Hampshire. You can also lease a system with little upfront cost, but you aren't eligible for the ITC.

      Jump to insight

      Many solar customers are happy with the service, installation and cost savings. Others felt misled by pushy sales tactics and ended up with monthly bills higher than expected. Watch out for door-to-door solar scams that attempt to gather your personal information, misleading claims, false advertising and aggressive sales tactics.

      Jump to insight

      Going solar in New Hampshire

      In more than a dozen New Hampshire towns, off-grid electricity is legal because these areas have no zoning laws at all. In Concord, however, you need building and electrical permits before solar panel installation. Often, a good solar contractor will navigate the permitting process on your behalf and include the permit fees in your overall costs.

      » BEST STATES FOR SOLAR: New Hampshire ranked No. 17 in 2024

      What to look for in a solar company in New Hampshire

      The best solar companies have a few things in common: high-efficiency equipment, transparent contract terms, NABCEP certifications and long warranties (at least 10 to 25 years). Here are a few things to look for when comparing solar panel installers.

      • Solar credentials: While New Hampshire doesn’t require a specific solar contractor’s license, any company working on your home should hold valid business registration and applicable trade licenses (electrician). To check a company’s registration, visit the New Hampshire Secretary of State’s website. You can also search this site to see if any complaints have been filed against the company. Look for North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. NABCEP requires rigorous training for certified solar professionals.
      • Good reputation: Research the company's track record and read reviews. Look out for red flags — complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Long time in business: Look for companies with plenty of experience installing solar panels in New Hampshire. It makes it easier to navigate regulations, permits and available financial incentives.
      • Comprehensive service: Consider if you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output. It’s also smart to ask about critter guards in New Hampshire.
      • Free consultations: Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower quotes than others — this may indicate lower quality.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      How much does it cost to go solar in New Hampshire?

      Average solar panel costs in New Hampshire typically range between $11,655 to $33,300. The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets.

      Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In New Hampshire, the cost per watt is $3.33.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in New Hampshire

      This doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery — which sometimes costs as much as the panels. Solar batteries are a must if you want real energy independence and essential if you go off-grid. Permitting, utility fees and maintenance also add to the cost of going solar.

      How can I pay for my solar panel installation?

      Getting solar panels is similar to buying a car. You could pay cash, but many people finance their system through a solar loan. If you have enough savings to pay upfront, the biggest advantage is avoiding interest charges.

      Leasing solar equipment is an attractive option for people who don’t want to get a loan or be responsible for maintaining a system. This biggest downside is that you’ll be disqualified from many of the best financial incentives, like the 30% federal solar tax credit. It also might make your house harder to sell since a new buyer will have to take over the lease agreement.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Solar incentives in New Hampshire

      New Hampshire residents may take advantage of local solar programs, but the federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the best financial incentive for most homeowners. The ITC reduces your federal tax liability by 30% of the cost of your panels and other equipment, labor and additional features for monitoring the system.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000. You don’t get these benefits automatically, though. You have to claim your solar equipment, labor and permits on your federal taxes for the same year you started using your system on Form 5695.

      » EXPLORE: New Hampshire solar incentives, tax credits and rebates

      Are solar panels worth it in New Hampshire?

      The general consensus is that solar panels are worth it in New Hampshire. On average, homeowners can avoid $69,087 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 7.5 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). However, the return on investment depends on the efficiency and size of your solar system.

      Solar panels typically last 25 to 30 years.

      ConsumerAffairs has heard from thousands of people who have already gone solar. Many reported significant savings on their electricity bills after installing solar panels. Some just appreciate the environmental benefits of using solar energy. For a lot of residents, it’s some combination that makes installing solar panels worth it in the long run.

      For instance, Edward in Newmarket went solar for environmental reasons: "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." Now, his current electric bill is only $13 per month, and that’s just the fee to stay grid-connected.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      FAQ

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. 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. 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.

      Use 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. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

      Should I replace my roof before installing solar panels?

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider replacing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This costs around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      Can I get free solar panels in New Hampshire?

      We are not aware of any legitimate programs for free solar panels in New Hampshire. However, you can lease a solar energy system or enter a power purchase agreement (PPA) with little to no upfront costs. Just look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can end up costing you quite a bit of money.

      How does net metering work in New Hampshire?

      Net metering lets homeowners get credits for extra electricity their solar panels generate. In New Hampshire, the credits go toward your next month’s power bill. At the end of the year, you can cash in the credits left over after the previous months. New Hampshire Electric Cooperative, Eversource, Liberty Utilities and Unitil all offer net metering.

      What’s the difference between a solar broker and a solar installer?

      A solar broker is a middleman or intermediary who helps connect homeowners with solar installation companies. A solar installer specializes in designing, procuring and installing solar panels and related components. Ultimately, deciding between a solar broker and a solar installer depends on how much you want to be involved in the process. A broker can be helpful if you value convenience. If you want more control and potentially lower costs, it’s best to work directly with a solar installer.

      Can I get a power purchase agreement in New Hampshire?

      New Hampshire’s power purchase agreements are focused on large-scale utilities at this time. The Granite State enacted a new law in August 2023 that allows utilities to sign long-term agreements with energy producers, potentially shielding ratepayers from volatile energy prices and lowering costs by encouraging the development of clean energy projects within the state, according to the New Hampshire Bulletin.

      These agreements incentivize the creation of renewable energy infrastructure, increasing energy independence and promoting grid stability for the benefit of New Hampshire ratepayers.

      What solar scams are common in New Hampshire?

      Be wary of “free solar panel” offers, unrealistic savings claims and high-pressure sales tactics — these are all signs of a solar panel scams. Fraudsters might pretend to represent real companies — or even an Eversource Power employee. They could also offer nonexistent government rebates to trick you. Always research companies thoroughly, get multiple quotes from reputable sources, and never feel pressured to make an immediate decision about installing solar.

      Methodology

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team objectively evaluates solar providers to highlight those best equipped to meet most homeowners' needs. To choose our top picks for this guide, we started with a list of popular providers. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in New Hampshire. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%
      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with the most positive recent ratings left by local reviewers on our site were given preference.

      Equipment selection: 20%
      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Warranties: 20%
      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Financing and payment options: 10%
      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Overall reputation: 10%
      We considered each company's history, mission and value. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect.

      To recap, our top picks for the best solar companies in New Hampshire are:

      1. Best leasing program: Sunrun
      2. Best DIY equipment selection: ShopSolar
      Guide 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:

      1. DSIRE, "New Hampshire Solar Programs." Accessed March 29, 2024.
      2. EnergySage, “The cost of solar panels in New Hampshire.” Accessed March 29, 2024.
      3. Solar Energy Industries Association, "New Hampshire Solar." Accessed March 29, 2024.
      4. SolarReviews, “How much do solar panels cost in New Hampshire?” Accessed March 29, 2024.
      5. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed Feb. 8, 2024.
      6. New Hampshire Bulletin, “How long-term procurement could help ratepayers and get clean energy projects built.” Accessed June 10, 2024.
      7. City of Concord, New Hampshire, “Solar Energy Systems Exemption.” Accessed April 26, 2024.
      8. Primal Survivor, “New Hampshire Off Grid Laws: An In-Depth Guide.” Accessed April 26, 2024.
      9. Granite State Solar, “Our Process.” Accessed April 26, 2024.
      10. Newport Dispatch, “Francestown police warn residents of solar panel scam.” Accessed April 26, 2024.

      Not sure how to choose?

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