Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dover, NH (2024 Update)
- Dover Solar Installation Cost: $14,508
- 25-Year Savings: $14,996
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dover
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Dover.
The average cost of a solar system in Dover is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.9-kW system would cost about $14,508 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Dover homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With average savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dover find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Dover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,101 |
| 3 years | $-10,287 |
| 5 years | $-7,474 |
| 7 years | $-4,660 |
| 9 years | $-1,846 |
| 11 years | $967 |
| 13 years | $3,781 |
| 15 years | $6,595 |
| 17 years | $9,408 |
| 19 years | $12,222 |
| 21 years | $15,035 |
| 23 years | $17,849 |
| 25 years | $20,663 |
Top Solar Installers in Dover
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Dover
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Dover
The cost of installing a solar system in Dover can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,220.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Dover, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $4.39 | $18,433 | $12,110 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.30 | $24,105 | $16,619 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.22 | $29,540 | $21,364 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $4.14 | $34,739 | $26,346 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $4.05 | $39,702 | $31,564 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.97 | $44,428 | $37,019 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.88 | $48,918 | $42,709 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.80 | $53,172 | $48,636 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Dover, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dover?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $21,100 for a 5-kW system and $42,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Dover?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 the amount of 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 install 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.