New Hampshire Solar Panel Guide 2025: Costs, Incentives & What Granite State Homeowners Need to Know
TLDR: New Hampshire solar installations average $2.80-$3.40 per watt before incentives. The state offers full retail net metering, making every kilowatt-hour you export valuable. Combined with high electricity rates averaging $0.22 per kilowatt-hour and the 30% federal tax credit, New Hampshire homeowners see 6-8 year payback periods. The federal tax credit expires December 31, 2025—acting now secures maximum savings.
Why Solar Works in New Hampshire
New Hampshire might seem like an unlikely solar state—cold winters, snow, and shorter days for half the year. But the economics tell a different story. The Granite State has some of the highest electricity rates in the country, averaging $0.22 per kilowatt-hour compared to the national average of $0.16. Those high rates mean every kilowatt-hour your panels produce is worth more.
Mike and Sarah Thompson of Nashua installed a 7.5 kW system in 2023. "We were skeptical about solar in New England," Mike admits. "But our installer showed us the math. Between high electric rates and good net metering, our payback is under 7 years. We're already seeing $150/month savings."
New Hampshire receives 4.2-4.5 peak sun hours daily on average—less than Arizona but enough for excellent returns when combined with high electricity rates and strong incentives.
New Hampshire Solar Costs in 2025
Current installation costs in New Hampshire:
| System Size | Gross Cost | After Federal Credit | Annual Production |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | $14,000-$17,000 | $9,800-$11,900 | 5,500-6,000 kWh |
| 7 kW | $19,600-$23,800 | $13,720-$16,660 | 7,700-8,400 kWh |
| 9 kW | $25,200-$30,600 | $17,640-$21,420 | 9,900-10,800 kWh |
| 11 kW | $30,800-$37,400 | $21,560-$26,180 | 12,100-13,200 kWh |
Prices vary by installer, equipment choice, and roof complexity. Get at least three quotes to compare.
New Hampshire Solar Incentives
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (30%)
The most valuable incentive available. Reduces your federal tax bill by 30% of total system cost including installation. A $20,000 system saves you $6,000 in taxes. This credit applies to the full system cost—panels, inverters, mounting, labor, permits, everything.
Critical deadline: The residential federal tax credit expires December 31, 2025. After that date, no federal credit will be available for homeowners. If you're considering solar, 2025 is the year to act.
Net Metering
New Hampshire requires utilities to offer net metering at full retail rates up to 100% of your annual usage. When your panels produce more than you use, you earn credits at the same rate you pay for electricity. These credits roll over month to month, letting summer overproduction offset winter deficits.
Property Tax Exemption
New Hampshire exempts solar installations from property tax increases. Your home value increases, but your property taxes don't—a significant benefit in a state with no income tax but relatively high property taxes.
Renewable Energy Fund Rebates
The NH Renewable Energy Fund occasionally offers rebates for residential solar. Availability varies—check with the NH Public Utilities Commission or your installer for current programs.
Dealing with New Hampshire Weather
Snow, cold, and shorter winter days are real factors. Here's how they affect your system:
Snow
Panels mounted at proper angles (30-40 degrees) shed most snow naturally. Dark panels absorb heat, accelerating melt. Light dustings don't significantly impact production. Heavy snow accumulation causes temporary drops, but clears within days. Most installers recommend leaving snow alone rather than risking roof damage or personal injury trying to clear it.
Jennifer Davis of Concord shares: "Our first winter, I worried about snow constantly. By year two, I realized it barely matters. Maybe we lose a few days of production after big storms, but the panels clear themselves. Annual numbers are right on track."
Cold Temperatures
Actually beneficial for solar panels. Panels operate more efficiently in cold weather—heat is the enemy. A 45-degree day produces more electricity per hour of sunlight than a 95-degree day. New Hampshire's cool climate is a plus, not a minus.
Shorter Winter Days
This is the real seasonal impact. December days have 9 hours of daylight versus 15+ hours in June. Expect 60-70% of annual production in April-September, 30-40% in October-March. Size your system for annual needs, not peak months.
Real Homeowner Experiences
The Martins, Manchester: "We installed 8.2 kW in spring 2024. Total cost was $26,000, but after the federal credit we're at $18,200. Our electric bill went from $180/month average to about $25. We'll break even in 6.5 years and then enjoy free electricity for the next 20+ years."
Robert Chen, Portsmouth: "Living near the coast, I wondered if salt air would be a problem. My installer used panels rated for coastal environments. Two years in, no issues. The ocean breeze actually keeps panels cooler in summer, improving efficiency."
Lisa and Tom Peterson, Keene: "We added a Tesla Powerwall with our solar. During the ice storm last winter, we were the only house on the street with power for three days. The backup capability alone was worth the investment."
Choosing a New Hampshire Installer
Key factors when selecting an installer:
- Local experience: Choose installers familiar with New Hampshire building codes, utility requirements, and weather conditions
- Licensing: Verify they hold appropriate New Hampshire electrical contractor licenses
- Warranty coverage: Look for 25-year panel warranties, 10-12 year inverter warranties, and workmanship guarantees
- Reviews and references: Check Google reviews, BBB ratings, and ask for customer references in your area
- Financing options: Compare their loan and lease offerings to find the best terms
Get at least three quotes. Compare not just price but equipment quality, warranty terms, and customer reviews.
Battery Storage Considerations
New Hampshire's grid is generally reliable, but ice storms and nor'easters cause occasional multi-day outages. Battery storage provides:
- Backup power during outages
- Self-consumption optimization
- Protection against future net metering changes
Popular options include Tesla Powerwall ($11,000-$14,000 installed), Enphase IQ Battery ($10,000-$15,000), and LG RESU ($9,000-$12,000). Batteries also qualify for the 30% federal tax credit when installed with solar.
Financial Analysis: Is Solar Worth It in New Hampshire?
Running the numbers for a typical installation:
- System size: 8 kW
- Gross cost: $25,600
- Federal tax credit (30%): -$7,680
- Net cost: $17,920
- Annual production: 8,800 kWh
- Electricity offset at $0.22/kWh: $1,936/year
- Simple payback: 9.3 years
- 25-year savings: $48,400+ (including rate increases)
With electricity rates rising 3-4% annually, actual savings are higher. Most New Hampshire homeowners see total 25-year savings of $45,000-$60,000.
Common Installation Challenges in New Hampshire
New Hampshire presents unique installation considerations that experienced local installers navigate daily:
Older Home Roof Structures
Many New Hampshire homes date back 50-100+ years. Older roof framing may need reinforcement to support solar panels and snow loads. In towns like Portsmouth, Exeter, and Dover, colonial-era homes require structural assessments before installation. Budget $500-$2,000 for potential reinforcement work.
Tree Shading Management
The Granite State's beautiful forests create shading challenges. Homes in areas like Hanover, Lebanon, and the Lakes Region often have significant tree coverage. Selective pruning or removal may be necessary—discuss this honestly with your installer during the site assessment. Some homeowners spend $1,000-$3,000 on tree work to optimize sun exposure.
Winter Access for Installation
New Hampshire's short construction season means scheduling matters. Installations between November and March face weather delays. Plan to sign contracts by early fall for year-end completion before the December 31, 2025 federal tax credit deadline.
Ground-Mount vs Roof-Mount Considerations
New Hampshire's terrain and property sizes make ground-mount systems viable for many homeowners:
Ground-Mount Advantages:
- Optimal tilt and orientation regardless of roof angle
- Easier snow clearing if desired (though often unnecessary)
- No roof penetrations or structural concerns
- Easier maintenance access
Ground-Mount Considerations:
- Requires dedicated land area—typically 400-600 square feet for an 8 kW system
- Permitting may be more complex in some towns
- Costs 10-15% more than roof-mount ($0.25-$0.40 per watt premium)
- Trenching required for electrical conduit
For homes in Laconia, Meredith, or rural areas with large properties, ground-mount can maximize production. Urban homes in Manchester or Nashua typically use roof-mount due to space constraints.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is New Hampshire too far north for solar?
A: No. New Hampshire receives adequate sunlight for excellent solar returns. High electricity rates compensate for lower annual production compared to sunnier states.
Q: What happens to my solar panels during a nor'easter?
A: Panels are rated to withstand extreme weather including heavy snow loads and high winds. They'll survive storms fine—just expect a few days of reduced production until snow clears.
Q: Can I go off-grid in New Hampshire?
A: Technically possible but expensive. Most homeowners stay grid-connected to take advantage of net metering. Off-grid requires massive battery banks and backup generators for winter.
Q: How long does installation take?
A: Typical timeline is 8-12 weeks from contract to operational system. Permitting takes 2-4 weeks, installation 1-2 days, utility inspection 1-2 weeks.
Q: What utility serves most of New Hampshire?
A: Eversource and Unitil are the primary utilities. Both offer net metering programs with full retail credits. Liberty Utilities serves some areas with similar programs.
Q: Do I need special permits for solar in NH?
A: Yes, building and electrical permits are required. Your installer handles this. Most NH towns have streamlined solar permitting—typical approval takes 2-4 weeks.
Utility-Specific Programs in New Hampshire
Understanding your utility's programs helps maximize savings. Here's what each major New Hampshire utility offers:
Eversource (Largest Utility)
Eversource serves most of New Hampshire, including Manchester, Nashua, Concord, and Portsmouth. Their net metering program credits excess production at full retail rates. Interconnection is straightforward—expect 2-3 weeks after your system passes inspection. Eversource's online portal tracks your production and credits in real-time, which is super helpful for monitoring your investment.
Unitil
Unitil serves the Seacoast region including Hampton, Exeter, and parts of Concord. Their net metering terms mirror Eversource. Smaller service territory means faster interconnection—typically 1-2 weeks. Unitil customers often report slightly quicker overall timelines from contract to power-on.
Liberty Utilities
Liberty serves areas including Salem, Derry, and Londonderry. They offer comparable net metering with monthly credit rollover. Some Liberty customers report the utility is proactive about scheduling inspections, which helps speed up activation.
NH Electric Cooperative
The co-op serves rural areas across the state. Net metering policies are slightly different—check directly with NHEC for current rates and any capacity limits. Rural members often find the co-op responsive and easy to work with for solar projects.
More Homeowner Experiences
Steve and Donna Flaherty, Derry: "We've been in our home for 22 years and watched electric rates climb every year. Our 9 kW system cost $28,000 before incentives—$19,600 after the federal credit. First year savings hit $2,100. We're locked in now while our neighbors keep paying more. The peace of mind knowing our energy costs are fixed for the next 25 years? That's worth a lot."
Karen Mitchell, Exeter: "I'm retired on a fixed income, so controlling costs matters. Solar seemed expensive upfront, but the 7-year payback math convinced me. My 6.5 kW system now covers my entire electric bill plus charges my hybrid car. I went from worrying about summer AC bills to not thinking about electricity at all."
The Richardsons, Lebanon: "Upper Valley gets serious snow. We were nervous, but honestly? The panels handle it beautifully. They're pitched at 38 degrees, and snow slides right off. We lose maybe a week of production total each winter. Our installer sized the system assuming that loss—we're still hitting 100% of projected annual production."
Battery Storage: Deeper Dive for New Hampshire
New Hampshire's weather patterns make battery storage particularly valuable. Here's what you should know:
Why Batteries Make Sense in NH
Ice storms are New Hampshire's biggest outage threat. The December 2008 ice storm left some areas without power for two weeks. More recently, the 2022 Christmas storm knocked out power to 400,000+ customers. With a battery backup, your solar panels keep your essential systems running—refrigerator, well pump, heating system controls, lights, and phone chargers—even during multi-day outages.
Battery Options and Costs
| Battery | Capacity | Installed Cost | After 30% Credit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tesla Powerwall 3 | 13.5 kWh | $12,000-$14,500 | $8,400-$10,150 |
| Enphase IQ Battery 5P | 5 kWh per unit | $6,500-$8,000/unit | $4,550-$5,600/unit |
| Franklin WholePower | 13.6 kWh | $14,000-$17,000 | $9,800-$11,900 |
| Generac PWRcell | 9-18 kWh | $12,000-$20,000 | $8,400-$14,000 |
Most New Hampshire homes do well with one 13-15 kWh battery for essential backup. If you want whole-home backup including heat pumps or electric heating, budget for two units.
Integration Tips
When adding batteries, discuss your backup priorities with your installer. What absolutely needs to stay on? Most NH homeowners prioritize: refrigerator/freezer, well pump (if applicable), internet/router, some lighting, and phone charging. If you have a propane or oil furnace, the control board and blower motor need power too—usually just a few hundred watts, easily covered by battery backup.
Installation Timeline: What to Expect
Here's a realistic week-by-week breakdown for New Hampshire solar installation:
Weeks 1-2: Site Assessment and Design
Your installer visits your home, measures the roof, checks your electrical panel, and assesses shading. They'll pull your electric bills to size the system appropriately. You'll receive a detailed proposal with equipment specs, production estimates, and financial projections.
Weeks 3-4: Contract and Permitting
Once you sign, your installer submits permit applications to your town and utility interconnection paperwork. New Hampshire towns are generally solar-friendly—most approve within 2-3 weeks. Concord, Manchester, and Portsmouth have particularly efficient processes.
Weeks 5-6: Installation
Physical installation typically takes 1-2 days for roof-mount systems. Ground-mount systems may take 3-4 days. Your installer mounts the racking, attaches panels, installs the inverter, and connects everything to your electrical panel.
Weeks 7-8: Inspection and Interconnection
Your town's electrical inspector visits, then the utility inspects and approves interconnection. Once you get "permission to operate," you flip the switch and start generating.
Total timeline: 6-10 weeks from contract to power-on. To ensure completion before December 31, 2025, sign your contract by early October 2025 at the latest. Earlier is better—fall is busy season for NH installers.
Expanded FAQ
Q: Can I add more panels later?
A: Yes, but it's more cost-effective to install what you need upfront. Adding panels later requires a new permit, additional design work, and potentially inverter upgrades. Plan for future needs—including a potential EV—when sizing your initial system.
Q: What happens if I move?
A: Solar adds home value. Studies show solar homes sell faster and for 4-6% more than comparable non-solar homes. The system transfers with the house. If you have a solar loan, you can either pay it off at closing or some loans allow transfer to the new owner.
Q: How do I maintain my solar panels?
A: Very little maintenance required. Rain handles most cleaning. In NH, you might hose panels off once or twice a year if pollen or bird droppings accumulate. Your inverter monitors system health—it'll alert you to any issues. Annual production monitoring is the main "maintenance" task.
Q: Will my HOA allow solar panels?
A: New Hampshire doesn't have a specific solar access law, but most HOAs can't outright ban solar. They may have reasonable aesthetic requirements. If your HOA pushes back, document everything and consider consulting with a solar rights attorney—most HOAs back down when challenged.
Q: What's the environmental impact of solar panels?
A: A typical 8 kW NH system prevents about 6-8 tons of CO2 emissions annually—equivalent to driving 15,000 fewer miles per year. Panels are recyclable at end-of-life, and manufacturing energy payback occurs within 1-3 years of operation.
Take Action Before December 31, 2025
The federal solar tax credit expires at the end of 2025 for residential installations. After that, the credit drops to 0%. For a typical New Hampshire system, that's $6,000-$8,000 in savings that won't be available in 2026.
To ensure installation before the deadline:
- Start getting quotes by summer 2025
- Sign a contract by September 2025
- Allow 8-12 weeks for permitting and installation
New Hampshire's combination of high electricity rates, favorable net metering, and property tax exemptions makes solar an excellent investment for Granite State homeowners. The federal tax credit makes 2025 the optimal time to install. Get your quotes today and lock in decades of clean energy savings.