Best Solar Companies In New Hampshire Of 2024

With those brutal Northeast winters, who wouldn’t want to offset their utility costs a bit with solar? Here are our favorite solar panel installation companies in New Hampshire.

• Tesla: Best Product Design
• New England Clean Energy: Best Customer Service
• Granite State Solar: Best Local Solar Provider
• Sunrun: Most Experienced

We named Tesla and New England Clean Energy as the top winners of our best solar companies in New Hampshire list. Tesla, scored 4.6 stars for its top-notch product design and financing options.

We compared the ratings and costs of New Hampshire solar panel companies to see how they’d compare. We performed extensive research and analysis across multiple criteria, including warranty, product availability, customer satisfaction and more.

Company	Company - Logo	Forbes Home Rating	Forbes Home Rating	Mobile App	Free Energy Consultation	States Covered	Learn More CTA text	Learn more CTA below text	Learn More
Tesla		4.6		Yes	Yes	50	Get Started	From Participating Partners
New England Clean Energy		4.3		No	Yes	4	Get Started	From Participating Partners
Granite State Solar		4.2		No	Yes	1	Get Started	From Participating Partners
Sunrun		3.8		Yes	Yes	19	Get Started	From Participating Partners

When deciding between the best solar companies in New Hampshire, there are a few key factors to consider:

• Great consumer ratings and reviews: Seek out solar companies backed by positive customer reviews across platforms such as Google Maps, BBB and TrustPilot.
• State incentives and rebate knowledge: Look for a solar company that is knowledgeable on the various state incentives and rebates available.
• Energy consumption experts: A solar company with energy consumption expertise can help ensure your solar system will provide sufficient energy to fit your home’s needs.
• Local building code experience: Solar companies that are familiar with local building codes can install your system so it’s safe and up to code, plus they can help navigate any necessary home modifications to support the system.
• Knowledge of the local climate: Companies well-versed in New Hampshire’s climate can provide a realistic look at a system’s energy-generating capabilities given the area’s typical conditions.

There are also a few aspects of your unique solar project you’ll want to consider before choosing an installer in New Hampshire.

• Solar system size: Choosing the right number of solar panels is crucial for getting the most from your solar energy system, so it’s important to find a provider who will conduct a thorough assessment of your home’s energy needs before making a recommendation.
• Additional system components: Ensure the solar installer offers high-quality system components, such as inverters and mounting hardware, from reputable manufacturers.
• Warranty and Guarantees: Make sure the provider offers comprehensive warranties covering installation labor, performance and equipment longevity.
• Solar financing and payment options: Review the financing and payment options available, evaluating terms, interest rates and applicable incentives to determine the most suitable choice for your budget.

Solar panels in New Hampshire typically cost $13,818 after the ITC, which is slightly higher than the average cost of a solar panel system, which is $12,700. Cost can vary based on several factors, including the size of the system, the types of panels used, labor costs and any additional equipment needed. Be sure to get quotes from at least three solar companies to compare costs before you commit.

There are a few different solar incentives for New Hampshire residents. On top of the federal solar ITC, the state also offers net metering benefits in many localities, rebates and more.

Federal Solar Tax Credit

All state solar tax credits include the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). The ITC is a direct reduction in an individual’s federal tax liability equivalent to 30% of the solar system’s cost, including equipment and installation. This is not a direct payout but a reduction in taxes owed; if the ITC is greater than the taxes owed, the IRS won’t refund the difference. However, any unused amount can be applied to future tax liabilities.

To qualify for the ITC, an individual must own their solar system and have sufficient tax liability to deduct the credit from. Rentals and Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) are not eligible. Per the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, this tax credit is set to be reduced to 26% in 2033, 22% in 2034 and expire in 2035.

Net Metering

Net metering allows homeowners to send excess power generated by their solar energy systems to the grid, which can be exchanged for credit to offset future energy bills. Net metering enhances the long-term ROI of solar energy systems and shortens the panel “break-even” payback period.

In New Hampshire, most utility providers, including Eversource, Liberty Utilities, New Hampshire Electric Cooperative (NHEC) and Unitil, are mandated by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC) to offer net metering programs. However, the specific terms may vary between companies, so it’s advisable to check with your utility company to see what it offers.

Other State-Specific Incentives

Residential Small Renewable Energy Rebate Program

New Hampshire offers a cashback incentive of up to $200 for each kilowatt (kW) of solar equipment installed on the home. This rebate can be up to 30% of the value of your system or $1,000, depending upon which is lower.

EverSource ConnectedSolutions Energy Storage Rebate

EverSource customers who are enrolled in its ConnectedSolutions Demand Response program  can get cash-back incentives from the excess energy stored in their solar battery. During times of high demand, Eversource will use the excess power stored in the batteries, compensating the customer based on the average usage (kW). Batteries and inverters must be from one of the company’s approved manufacturers.

Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy and Electrical Energy Storage

Since solar systems generally increase a home’s value, this can lead to an increase in property taxes. However, most municipalities in New Hampshire will void the value your solar power system brings to your home when determining your property taxes. In other words, your taxes won’t go up because you installed solar. This perk is not available everywhere, so consult with local authorities.

Deciding whether solar panels are worth it in New Hampshire mainly comes down to costs versus benefits, as well as personal preference. Homeowners in New Hampshire see some of the highest energy costs in the country, so solar panel installation can be a great option to combat high energy bills. New Hampshire homeowners can also take advantage of several tax credits and incentives, including the ITC and Residential Small Renewable Energy Rebate Program.

Apart from cost savings, New Hampshirites can also benefit from increased energy independence and a day-to-day lifestyle that’s kinder to the environment. While the initial investment is steep, there are many reasons for New Hampshire homeowners to make the switch to solar.

New Hampshire Solar Savings: Calculating the Break Even Point

New Hampshire energy costs average at 25.76 ¢/kWh, with an average household energy use of 623 kWh. This brings the average annual savings to $1,926. Assuming all energy costs are covered by the solar system, the break-even point for solar savings is roughly 7.17 years.

CALCULATING THE BREAK EVEN POINT
Average Cost of 6kW Solar System w/Installation	$18,840
New Hampshire Incentives (30%)	$5,652
Estimated System Cost (inc. Incentives)	$13,188
Break Even Period	7.17 years
20-Year Savings	$25,038
25-Year Savings	$34,668

*Based on energy costs within the location/state all data is estimated, calculations assume all electricity usage is covered by solar energy and the cost of 21.71 ¢/kWh within New Hampshire

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In a 2023 survey on homeowners’ satisfaction with their solar systems, Forbes Home surveyed 1,000 homeowners who have a solar system and looked at consumer trends and satisfaction results. Our research helped us gain perspective into customer satisfaction with New Hampshire solar companies, as well as solar power within the state as a whole. Here are some key findings from our survey data:

• 91% of Northeast residents are satisfied with their solar panel system’s performance in terms of energy generation.
• 64% of residents have concerns about their home’s impact on the environment.
• Only 5% of Northeastern residents were hesitant to install solar due to the annual days of sun their region receives.
• 34% of residents cited upfront cost as their main hesitation for installing a solar energy system.
• 29% of Northeast homeowners were motivated by energy cost savings, while 26% were more concerned with eco-friendliness.
• 80.79% of Northeast homeowners were motivated by energy independence to install their solar energy systems.
• 59.61% of respondents had their solar energy systems for one to three years.

To determine the best solar company ranking, the Forbes Home editorial team analyzed 26 major companies, with each company’s star rating determined by evaluating a variety of metrics, including years in business, equipment options, app and customer reviews and support, nationwide availability, price and warranty, product specifications and features.

All figures and facts were accurate at the time of first publication.

You can find out more about how Forbes Home rates solar companies in our detailed methodology page.