Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charlestown, NH (2025 Update)
- Charlestown Solar Installation Cost: $14,925
- 25-Year Savings: $16,508
- Payback Period: 13.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charlestown
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Charlestown.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Charlestown generally cost about 4.The average Charlestown homeowner needs a 5.1-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,925 with the federal tax credit, or $21,343 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $20,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Charlestown find investing in solar can pay off big.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Charlestown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,518 |
| 3 years | $-10,704 |
| 5 years | $-7,891 |
| 7 years | $-5,077 |
| 9 years | $-2,263 |
| 11 years | $550 |
| 13 years | $3,364 |
| 15 years | $6,178 |
| 17 years | $8,991 |
| 19 years | $11,805 |
| 21 years | $14,619 |
| 23 years | $17,432 |
| 25 years | $20,246 |
Top Solar Installers in Charlestown
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Charlestown, we've put together 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
See all of the solar companies in Charlestown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charlestown
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Charlestown is $14,925, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Charlestown, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,220 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Charlestown average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Charlestown to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Charlestown, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Charlestown have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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 | $13,393 | 14.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.30 | $24,105 | $18,330 | 14.2 years |
| 10 kW | $4.22 | $29,540 | $23,504 | 13.9 years |
| 12 kW | $4.14 | $34,739 | $28,913 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $4.05 | $39,702 | $34,560 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.97 | $44,428 | $40,442 | 13.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.88 | $48,918 | $46,561 | 12.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.80 | $53,172 | $52,916 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the 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
EcoWatch's Charlestown, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Charlestown?
The average cost of solar panels in Charlestown 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 such as 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 Charlestown?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically 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 incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Charlestown, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Charlestown?
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 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.