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

  • Gilmanton Solar Installation Cost: $10,077
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,686
  • Payback Period: 9.4 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 Gilmanton

We go over average solar pricing in Gilmanton.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gilmanton it's 2.91 per watt. The average Gilmanton homeowner needs a 5.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,083 with the federal tax credit, or $14,419 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Gilmanton based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Gilmanton find investing in solar can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Gilmanton for a personalized quote.

Solar savings over time in Gilmanton

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,670
3 years $-5,857
5 years $-3,043
7 years $-230
9 years $2,584
11 years $5,398
13 years $8,211
15 years $11,025
17 years $13,839
19 years $16,652
21 years $19,466
23 years $22,280
25 years $25,093

Top Solar Installers in Gilmanton

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to go with a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify 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 in Gilmanton:

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 Gilmanton

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gilmanton

For many Gilmanton homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Gilmanton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Gilmanton, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,910 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Gilmanton, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Gilmanton homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Gilmanton is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

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 $19,748 9.8 years
8 kW $2.97 $16,622 $26,656 9.6 years
10 kW $2.91 $20,370 $33,728 9.4 years
12 kW $2.85 $23,955 $40,962 9.2 years
14 kW $2.79 $27,377 $48,359 9.0 years
16 kW $2.74 $30,636 $55,920 8.8 years
18 kW $2.68 $33,733 $63,643 8.7 years
20 kW $2.62 $36,666 $71,529 8.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.

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 Gilmanton, NH Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gilmanton?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Gilmanton?

You can't get solar panels for free in Gilmanton. 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.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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