Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hampton, NH (2023 Update)
- Hampton Solar Installation Cost: $9,818
- 25-Year Savings: $13,256
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hampton
See how much it might cost to go solar in Hampton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hampton, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.91 per watt. The average Hampton homeowner needs a 4.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,818 with the federal tax credit, or $14,040 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Hampton based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the large upfront cost, the average Hampton homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
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 Hampton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,895 |
| 3 years | $-7,049 |
| 5 years | $-5,203 |
| 7 years | $-3,357 |
| 9 years | $-1,512 |
| 11 years | $334 |
| 13 years | $2,180 |
| 15 years | $4,026 |
| 17 years | $5,872 |
| 19 years | $7,718 |
| 21 years | $9,564 |
| 23 years | $11,410 |
| 25 years | $13,256 |
Top Solar Installers in Hampton
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Hampton, the EcoWatch team has compiled 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 Hampton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hampton
The cost of installing a solar system in Hampton can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, 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 going solar 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 Hampton. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Hampton, where sunlight is relatively 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 more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Hampton homeowners opt 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 more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Hampton is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger 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 | $16,017 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $21,682 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $27,509 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $33,500 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $39,654 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $45,971 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $52,450 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $59,093 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Hampton, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hampton?
This is a tough 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 be more expensive if you want extra 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 expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Hampton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Hampton?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Hampton?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.