Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alton, NH (2023 Update)
- Alton Solar Installation Cost: $10,083
- 25-Year Savings: $16,615
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alton
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Alton.
In Alton, solar panels cost about 2.91 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 5.0-kW system would cost about $10,083 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Alton homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,015 |
| 3 years | $-6,879 |
| 5 years | $-4,743 |
| 7 years | $-2,608 |
| 9 years | $-472 |
| 11 years | $1,664 |
| 13 years | $3,800 |
| 15 years | $5,936 |
| 17 years | $8,072 |
| 19 years | $10,208 |
| 21 years | $12,344 |
| 23 years | $14,479 |
| 25 years | $16,615 |
Top Solar Installers in Alton
Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another benefit of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Alton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alton
The cost of installing a solar system in Alton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,910. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Alton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Alton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. Additionally, some companies in Alton are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.03 | $12,711 | $19,670 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $26,552 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $33,597 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $40,806 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $48,177 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $55,711 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $63,409 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $71,269 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Alton, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alton?
The average cost of solar panels in Alton is about $14,550 for a 5-kW system and $29,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Alton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger level 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.