Solar Panel Cost Guide in Dover, NH (2023 Update)
- Dover Solar Installation Cost: $10,002
- 25-Year Savings: $14,999
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Dover
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Dover.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Dover typically cost around 2.91. The average Dover homeowner needs a 4.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,002 with the federal tax credit, or $14,303 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With average savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Dover find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Dover for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Dover
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,002 |
| 3 years | $-7,002 |
| 5 years | $-5,002 |
| 7 years | $-3,002 |
| 9 years | $-1,001 |
| 11 years | $999 |
| 13 years | $2,999 |
| 15 years | $4,999 |
| 17 years | $6,999 |
| 19 years | $8,999 |
| 21 years | $10,999 |
| 23 years | $12,999 |
| 25 years | $14,999 |
Top Solar Installers in Dover
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Dover, optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Dover:
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 is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,910 per kilowatt in Dover. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Dover average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Dover to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Dover, and each can charge varying 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 come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers 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 | $17,832 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $24,101 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $30,534 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $37,130 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $43,889 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $50,810 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $57,895 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $65,142 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending 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 access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 satisfied reviews from past 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 Dover, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Dover?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Dover?
You can't get solar panels for free in Dover. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Dover?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.