Solar Panel Cost Guide in Derry, NH (2023 Update)

  • Derry Solar Installation Cost: $9,817
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,983
  • Payback Period: 9.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Derry

We break down average solar pricing in Derry.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Derry it's 2.91 per watt. Because a 4.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Derry, the average price of going solar will be about $9,818 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on power bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Derry that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Derry

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,410
3 years $-5,596
5 years $-2,783
7 years $31
9 years $2,845
11 years $5,658
13 years $8,472
15 years $11,285
17 years $14,099
19 years $16,913
21 years $19,726
23 years $22,540
25 years $25,354

Top Solar Installers in Derry

Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.

If you're looking for a solar company in Derry, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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 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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Derry

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Derry

Though the average cost of a solar system in Derry is $9,818, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Derry, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,910 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Derry provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Derry, and each can charge different amounts 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides 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 $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 a lot of companies to choose from in Derry, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before making your decision.
  • Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past 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 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

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Derry, NH Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Derry?

You can't get solar panels for free in Derry. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is going solar worth it?

Solar panels can be a good investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels do I need 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 cover 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.

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