Solar Panel Cost Guide in Charlestown, NH (2023 Update)
- Charlestown Solar Installation Cost: $10,292
- 25-Year Savings: $16,508
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Charlestown
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Charlestown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Charlestown it's 2.91 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Charlestown, most homeowners require a 5.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,287, or $14,710 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Charlestown based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Charlestown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,885 |
| 3 years | $-6,071 |
| 5 years | $-3,258 |
| 7 years | $-444 |
| 9 years | $2,370 |
| 11 years | $5,183 |
| 13 years | $7,997 |
| 15 years | $10,811 |
| 17 years | $13,624 |
| 19 years | $16,438 |
| 21 years | $19,252 |
| 23 years | $22,065 |
| 25 years | $24,879 |
Top Solar Installers in Charlestown
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Charlestown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Charlestown
There are many criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Charlestown, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within 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 | $19,115 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $25,813 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $32,674 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $39,697 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $46,884 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $54,234 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $61,746 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $69,422 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining 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 keep in mind, including:
- Contract: It's important to read your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Charlestown, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Charlestown?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Charlestown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
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 Charlestown is currently $114,400, so you can expect a value of about $4,690 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Charlestown is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 get 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.