Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bow, NH (Mar 2023)

  • Bow Solar Installation Cost: $10,144
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,572
  • Payback Period: 10.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 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 Bow

We break down average solar pricing in Bow.

The average cost of solar panels in Bow is 2.91 per watt. The average Bow homeowner needs a 5.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,144 with the federal tax credit, or $14,506 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Bow, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Bow

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,196
3 years $-7,298
5 years $-5,401
7 years $-3,504
9 years $-1,606
11 years $291
13 years $2,188
15 years $4,086
17 years $5,983
19 years $7,880
21 years $9,778
23 years $11,675
25 years $13,572

Top Solar Installers in Bow

Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

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

See all of the solar companies in Bow

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bow

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Bow: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,910 per kilowatt in Bow. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bow, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Bow offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to factor 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Bow, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into your budget.

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 $15,865 11.1 years
8 kW $2.97 $16,622 $21,479 10.9 years
10 kW $2.91 $20,370 $27,256 10.7 years
12 kW $2.85 $23,955 $33,197 10.5 years
14 kW $2.79 $27,377 $39,300 10.3 years
16 kW $2.74 $30,636 $45,566 10.1 years
18 kW $2.68 $33,733 $51,995 9.8 years
20 kW $2.62 $36,666 $58,587 9.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:

  • Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type 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.
  • Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.

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 Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

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

EcoWatch's Bow, NH Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Bow 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

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

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Is going solar 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 a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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