Solar Panel Cost Guide in Auburn, NH (2023 Update)
- Auburn Solar Installation Cost: $9,817
- 25-Year Savings: $16,983
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Auburn
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Auburn.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Auburn generally cost around 2.91. The average solar panel system size in Auburn is around 4.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,818 for a solar installation, or $14,040 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Auburn depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Auburn can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Auburn
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,410 |
| 3 years | $-5,596 |
| 5 years | $-2,783 |
| 7 years | $31 |
| 9 years | $2,845 |
| 11 years | $5,658 |
| 13 years | $8,472 |
| 15 years | $11,285 |
| 17 years | $14,099 |
| 19 years | $16,913 |
| 21 years | $19,726 |
| 23 years | $22,540 |
| 25 years | $25,354 |
Top Solar Installers in Auburn
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost 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 Auburn
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Auburn
There are many factors 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 performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 increase or decrease 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Auburn have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have 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 | $3.03 | $12,711 | $20,655 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $27,866 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $35,240 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $42,776 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $50,476 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $58,339 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $66,365 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $74,553 | 8.2 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: Different companies offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 Auburn, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Auburn?
The average cost of solar panels in Auburn 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 stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Auburn?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Auburn?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots 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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.