Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, NH (Mar 2023)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $9,818
- 25-Year Savings: $16,982
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Chester.
In Chester, solar panels cost about 2.91 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Chester, most homeowners require a 4.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $9,818, or $14,040 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Chester depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Chester homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,746 |
| 3 years | $-6,602 |
| 5 years | $-4,458 |
| 7 years | $-2,314 |
| 9 years | $-170 |
| 11 years | $1,974 |
| 13 years | $4,118 |
| 15 years | $6,262 |
| 17 years | $8,406 |
| 19 years | $10,550 |
| 21 years | $12,694 |
| 23 years | $14,838 |
| 25 years | $16,982 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
The cost of installing a solar system in Chester can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,910 per kilowatt in Chester. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Chester average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar system can influence the cost. Chester's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $20,655 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $27,866 | 9.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $35,240 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $42,776 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $50,476 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $58,339 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $66,365 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $74,553 | 8.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Chester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Chester, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Chester?
The average cost of solar panels in Chester 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 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 Chester?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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 property 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
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 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.