Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gilford, NH (2025 Update)
- Gilford Solar Installation Cost: $14,614
- 25-Year Savings: $16,723
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gilford
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Gilford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Gilford, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Gilford homeowner needs a 4.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,614 with the federal tax credit, or $20,898 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on your energy needs and what company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $21,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar installer in Gilford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gilford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,207 |
| 3 years | $-10,393 |
| 5 years | $-7,580 |
| 7 years | $-4,766 |
| 9 years | $-1,952 |
| 11 years | $861 |
| 13 years | $3,675 |
| 15 years | $6,488 |
| 17 years | $9,302 |
| 19 years | $12,116 |
| 21 years | $14,929 |
| 23 years | $17,743 |
| 25 years | $20,557 |
Top Solar Installers in Gilford
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about choosing a reputable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your investment.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Gilford, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Gilford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gilford
There are a number of factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Gilford, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $14,070 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.30 | $24,105 | $19,233 | 13.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.22 | $29,540 | $24,632 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $4.14 | $34,739 | $30,268 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $4.05 | $39,702 | $36,139 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.97 | $44,428 | $42,248 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.88 | $48,918 | $48,592 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.80 | $53,172 | $55,173 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page 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 repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Gilford, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Gilford?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $21,100 for a 5-kW system and $42,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Gilford?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Gilford. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Gilford have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 amount of 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 install 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.