Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alton, NH (2024 Update)
- Alton Solar Installation Cost: $14,614
- 25-Year Savings: $16,621
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alton
We break down average solar pricing in Alton.
In Alton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Alton is around 4.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,614 for a solar installation, or $20,898 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,207 |
| 3 years | $-10,393 |
| 5 years | $-7,580 |
| 7 years | $-4,766 |
| 9 years | $-1,952 |
| 11 years | $861 |
| 13 years | $3,675 |
| 15 years | $6,488 |
| 17 years | $9,302 |
| 19 years | $12,116 |
| 21 years | $14,929 |
| 23 years | $17,743 |
| 25 years | $20,557 |
Top Solar Installers in Alton
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and expertise. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Alton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alton
There are several criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Alton, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Alton to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.39 | $18,433 | $13,947 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.30 | $24,105 | $19,069 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $4.22 | $29,540 | $24,427 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $4.14 | $34,739 | $30,022 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $4.05 | $39,702 | $35,853 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.97 | $44,428 | $41,920 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.88 | $48,918 | $48,223 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.80 | $53,172 | $54,763 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Alton, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alton?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $21,100 for a 5-kW system and $42,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Alton?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Alton?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.