Solar Panel Cost Guide in Exeter, NH (2023 Update)
- Exeter Solar Installation Cost: $9,818
- 25-Year Savings: $13,898
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Exeter
See how much it might cost to go solar in Exeter.
In Exeter, solar panels cost about 2.91 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Exeter is around 4.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,818 for a solar installation, or $14,040 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Exeter can save around $19,000 on their 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 Exeter
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,870 |
| 3 years | $-6,972 |
| 5 years | $-5,075 |
| 7 years | $-3,178 |
| 9 years | $-1,280 |
| 11 years | $617 |
| 13 years | $2,514 |
| 15 years | $4,412 |
| 17 years | $6,309 |
| 19 years | $8,206 |
| 21 years | $10,104 |
| 23 years | $12,001 |
| 25 years | $13,898 |
Top Solar Installers in Exeter
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Exeter, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Exeter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Exeter
While the average cost of a solar system in Exeter is $9,818, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,910 per kilowatt in Exeter. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease 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 financing options, 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
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Exeter is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that provides 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 | $16,816 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $22,747 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $28,841 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $35,099 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $41,519 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $48,102 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $54,848 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $61,757 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
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 Exeter, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Exeter?
The average cost of solar panels in Exeter is about $14,550 for a 5-kW system and $29,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Exeter?
Solar panels aren't free in Exeter, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Exeter, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Exeter?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.