Solar Panel Cost Guide in Barnstead, NH (2023 Update)

  • Barnstead Solar Installation Cost: $10,083
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,680
  • Payback Period: 9.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Barnstead

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Barnstead.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Barnstead typically cost about 2.91. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Barnstead, most homeowners require a 5.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,083, or $14,419 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Barnstead can save about $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Barnstead for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Barnstead

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,013
3 years $-6,872
5 years $-4,731
7 years $-2,590
9 years $-448
11 years $1,693
13 years $3,834
15 years $5,975
17 years $8,116
19 years $10,257
21 years $12,398
23 years $14,539
25 years $16,680

Top Solar Installers in Barnstead

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra time and handiness. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Barnstead, thereby optimizing your ROI.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Barnstead

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Barnstead

The cost of installing a solar system in Barnstead can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,910. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Barnstead homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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 $19,748 9.8 years
8 kW $2.97 $16,622 $26,656 9.6 years
10 kW $2.91 $20,370 $33,728 9.4 years
12 kW $2.85 $23,955 $40,962 9.2 years
14 kW $2.79 $27,377 $48,359 9.0 years
16 kW $2.74 $30,636 $55,920 8.8 years
18 kW $2.68 $33,733 $63,643 8.7 years
20 kW $2.62 $36,666 $71,529 8.5 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. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • 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 good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Barnstead, NH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Barnstead?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas 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.

Does Barnstead have a net metering program?

Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 once you've had 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.

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