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Best Solar Companies in New Hampshire

We compared 73 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Sunrun
      4.3(3,632)
    • ShopSolar
      4.7(218)
    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Justin Martino

    Best Solar Companies in New Hampshire

    Thanks to a combination of high electricity rates, decent net metering policies and increasing interest in home energy independence, installing solar panels in New Hampshire is becoming more attractive — even without the generous state-level incentives available elsewhere in New England. If you’re considering solar in the Granite State, we recommend Sunrun for full-service installation and leasing options or ShopSolar if you want to buy and install a system yourself.

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    Our top 2 solar company picks for New Hampshire

    1. Solar leases: Sunrun
    2. DIY projects: ShopSolar

    The ConsumerAffairs 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 the full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

    Our pick for solar leases

    Sunrun

    Sunrun
    4.3
    3,632 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    22%
    Workmanship warranty
    10 years
    Year founded
    2007
    Get Started Read Reviews

    Sunrun’s solar lease program lets you power your home without a major upfront cost. There’s no charge for panels, installation or permits. Instead, you pay a fixed monthly fee while Sunrun owns and maintains the system.

    We also like Sunrun’s combination of scale and local service. It’s one of the largest residential solar providers in the country, but it partners with New Hampshire-based installers who know the region’s permitting, weather and grid conditions. This hybrid model helps reduce delays and optimize performance.

    “I like the idea that Sunrun is a leased program. I looked at some other ones and it was gonna cost me at least $20,000 upfront to buy these panels and get them put up on the house. Sunrun was very professional in working with me.”
    Robert Concord, NH
    “It was a bigger process than I thought it was gonna be but Sunrun has been awesome all the way through. Tony did an awesome job getting me started and weighing all the ins and outs of all the different ways of doing it. We picked the program that we thought was the best way to go and so far, it's worked out really well. The installment crew did an awesome and neat job.”
    Gerald Barrington, NH
    “I like their idea of leasing because I'm not responsible anymore. I decided to look into going solar to save money mostly and decided to go with Sunrun. … Sunrun's enrolment process had been effortless and painless. Their customer service reps are always friendly and helpful. Since installing solar, I love getting my energy bill from Eversource now. It's all of $12.95 and it's been great. It's saving me money. I've recommended it to many and told them how much I saved and how easy it was to deal with Sunrun.”
    Robert Litchfield, NH

    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.

    • 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.
    • PPAs: With a power purchase agreement, you pay only for the electricity your system generates — usually at a lower rate than your utility. Sunrun owns and maintains the system. No upfront cost, and maintenance is included.
    • Loans: Available discounts include $0 down for some financing plans. Monthly payments vary.
    Pros
    • Long time in business
    • Flexible payment options
    • Comprehensive warranties
    • Daily system monitoring
    Cons
    • Some communication issues
    • Limited price transparency
    1x Award Winner
    Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service
    Our pick for DIY projects

    ShopSolar

    ShopSolar
    4.7
    218 reviews
    Max. panel efficiency
    Varies
    Workmanship warranty
    Varies
    Year founded
    2018
    Read Reviews

    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.

    ShopSolar is ideal for people who want full control over system design and installation and don’t want to rely on traditional solar contractors. It’s also a great solution for New Hampshire residents in rural or wooded areas where grid-tied systems aren’t practical or available.

    “What I liked about them was they were the only place I found that was all-inclusive. They provided the whole system with construction and support. … I had a lot of questions once the stuff came and I reviewed what I had to do. I wanted to make sure I did everything right and the technical support was really helpful and very responsive. … ShopSolarKits made me confident in my purchase and the pricing was good. They turned me into a confident solar installer and I didn't know anything about it.”
    Carmen Wynnewood, PA

    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 can pay for your order in full upfront through ShopSolar’s secure website or choose from several financing options with 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 and PayTomorrow. Affirm offers biweekly or monthly payments for up to 36 months, with APRs from 0% to 36%. PayTomorrow offers monthly payment plans with terms up to 48 months and APRs from 0% to 29.99%. Both options offer loans up to $20,000, have no fees and quick approval times.
    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

    Solar Companies in New Hampshire Buyers Guide

    Jump into our guides and start learning

    In this guide

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Sunrun logo
    ShopSolar logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      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 $10,634 to $30,383, 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

      How to choose a solar company in New Hampshire

      Choosing a solar company in New Hampshire means balancing local expertise with long-term value. Start by comparing providers’ experience, certifications and reputation — and always get multiple quotes to compare pricing on similar systems. The best companies offer high-efficiency equipment, transparent contract terms and strong post-installation support. Look for NABCEP-certified installers with a proven track record. Here’s what to prioritize when evaluating top solar companies in New Hampshire:

      • Local experience: Look for installers with extensive experience in New Hampshire. They’ll be more familiar with the state’s permitting rules, net metering policies and interconnection requirements for utilities like Eversource and Liberty. Local pros also know how to design systems that account for New Hampshire’s seasonal weather, tree cover and steep rooflines common in the region.
      • 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: How to get solar quotes

      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.

      How much do solar panels cost in New Hampshire?

      Average solar panel costs in New Hampshire typically range between $10,634 to $30,383. 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 average cost per watt is $3.04.

      Average solar panel costs 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?

      You can pay for solar panels in New Hampshire with cash, solar financing, a lease, a power purchase agreement (PPA) or a home equity loan or line of credit (HELOC). Each method affects your long-term savings, system ownership and access to incentives.

      Cash purchase

      Paying upfront with cash delivers the highest return on investment. You fully own the system and qualify for all available tax credits and incentives. You won’t owe interest or monthly payments — but you’ll need to cover the entire cost upfront.

      Solar loan

      Solar loans reduce the upfront cost and still let you claim the federal tax credit. Many lenders offer fixed monthly payments over 5 to 25 years. Your loan payments may be lower than your current electric bill, especially given New Hampshire’s high utility rates. However, interest charges reduce your total savings over time.

      Lease

      With a solar lease, the installer owns the system and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use the energy it produces. There’s usually no upfront cost, and the installer handles maintenance. But you won’t own the system or qualify for incentives or tax credits. Long-term savings are lower than with a purchase or loan.

      Power purchase agreement (PPA)

      PPAs are legal in New Hampshire and function similarly to leases. You pay only for the electricity the system generates, usually at a lower per-kWh rate than your utility. Like a lease, the installer owns and maintains the system. You won’t get the tax credit, and a PPA can complicate home resale if the buyer doesn’t want to assume the contract.

      » COMPARE: Leasing vs. buying solar panels

      Solar incentives in New Hampshire

      The ITC expired at the end of 2025.

      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.

      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.

      Local incentives in New Hampshire

      Local incentives in New Hampshire include:

      • Net Metering (NEM 2.0): This is the most significant state-level policy for solar owners. It allows customers of major utilities (Eversource, Liberty, NHEC, Unitil) to earn bill credits for excess electricity sent to the grid. The credit isn’t a full match for what you pay per kilowatt-hour, but it’s close; it includes the full energy and transmission rates, plus 25% of the distribution rate. Credits you earn in sunny summer months can be rolled over to offset bills in the winter.
      • Municipal Property Tax Exemption: In many New Hampshire towns and cities, the value added to your home by a solar panel system is exempt from property taxes. This is a local incentive, so availability and terms vary. To receive this benefit, homeowners must file Form PA-29 with their local assessing department by the April 15 deadline.
      • Eversource ConnectedSolutions for Battery Storage: Eversource customers who install a qualifying battery storage system (Enphase or FranklinWH) can enroll in this demand response program. Participants receive an upfront incentive of $230 per kilowatt-hour (up to a maximum of $3,000).
      • Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs): Solar system owners in New Hampshire generate RECs, which are tradable certificates representing the environmental attributes of clean energy. These can be sold to utilities, providing an additional source of income separate from net metering credits.
      • State Rebate Programs (Permanently Closed): It is important to note that while many online sources still list them, the main state-funded rebate programs are no longer available. The Residential Renewable Electrical Generation Rebate Program and the Commercial & Industrial Solar Incentive Program were permanently closed to new applicants in 2024.

      Are solar panels worth it in New Hampshire?

      For most homeowners, solar panels are worth it in New Hampshire. On average, homeowners can avoid $70,891 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 10.1 years years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost). After that, the energy your system produces is essentially free. 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, especially with New Hampshire’s high electricity rates. 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.

      Not sure how to choose?

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