Solar Panel Cost Guide in Amherst, NH (2023 Update)
- Amherst Solar Installation Cost: $10,083
- 25-Year Savings: $14,917
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Amherst
See how much it might cost to go solar in Amherst.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Amherst it's 2.91 per watt. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Amherst, most homeowners require a 5.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,083, or $14,419 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Amherst find going solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Amherst
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,083 |
| 3 years | $-7,083 |
| 5 years | $-5,083 |
| 7 years | $-3,083 |
| 9 years | $-1,083 |
| 11 years | $917 |
| 13 years | $2,917 |
| 15 years | $4,917 |
| 17 years | $6,917 |
| 19 years | $8,917 |
| 21 years | $10,917 |
| 23 years | $12,917 |
| 25 years | $14,917 |
Top Solar Installers in Amherst
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
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 Amherst
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Amherst
Though the average cost of a solar system in Amherst is $10,083, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Amherst provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Amherst is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more 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 down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $17,583 | 10.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $23,770 | 10.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $30,120 | 10.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $36,632 | 9.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $43,308 | 9.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $50,147 | 9.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $57,148 | 9.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $64,313 | 9.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
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 Amherst, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Amherst?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,550 for a 5-kW system and $29,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Amherst?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Amherst?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.