Solar Panel Cost Guide in Brentwood, NH (2024 Update)
- Brentwood Solar Installation Cost: $14,236
- 25-Year Savings: $13,900
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Brentwood
We go over average solar pricing in Brentwood.
In Brentwood, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.8-kW system would cost about $14,236 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Brentwood homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Brentwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,829 |
| 3 years | $-10,016 |
| 5 years | $-7,202 |
| 7 years | $-4,388 |
| 9 years | $-1,575 |
| 11 years | $1,239 |
| 13 years | $4,053 |
| 15 years | $6,866 |
| 17 years | $9,680 |
| 19 years | $12,493 |
| 21 years | $15,307 |
| 23 years | $18,121 |
| 25 years | $20,934 |
Top Solar Installers in Brentwood
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
If you're searching for a solar company in Brentwood, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Brentwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Brentwood
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Brentwood: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,220.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Brentwood, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Brentwood to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Brentwood homeowners, they can also increase 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 installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Brentwood, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Brentwood know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 | $4.39 | $18,433 | $11,094 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.30 | $24,105 | $15,265 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.22 | $29,540 | $19,671 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $4.14 | $34,739 | $24,315 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $4.05 | $39,702 | $29,194 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.97 | $44,428 | $34,310 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.88 | $48,918 | $39,662 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.80 | $53,172 | $45,251 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Well-established 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Brentwood, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Brentwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Brentwood is about $21,100 for a 5-kW system and $42,200 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.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Brentwood?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Brentwood is currently $635,464, so you could be looking at a value of about $26,054 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Brentwood is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.