Solar Panel Cost Guide in Keene, NH (2023 Update)
- Keene Solar Installation Cost: $10,185
- 25-Year Savings: $14,816
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Keene
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Keene.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Keene generally cost about 2.91. Since a 5.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Keene, the average price of going solar will be about $10,185 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Keene can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Keene for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Keene
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,185 |
| 3 years | $-7,185 |
| 5 years | $-5,185 |
| 7 years | $-3,185 |
| 9 years | $-1,185 |
| 11 years | $815 |
| 13 years | $2,815 |
| 15 years | $4,815 |
| 17 years | $6,815 |
| 19 years | $8,815 |
| 21 years | $10,815 |
| 23 years | $12,815 |
| 25 years | $14,816 |
Top Solar Installers in Keene
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra labor and know-how. Because of that, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Keene
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Keene
The cost of installing a solar system in Keene 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 equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,910. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 in the long run on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Keene average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Keene, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk 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 | $3.03 | $12,711 | $17,313 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $23,410 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $29,670 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $36,093 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $42,679 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $49,428 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $56,339 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $63,414 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- 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 timeline.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
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 Keene, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Keene?
This is a difficult 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 higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Keene?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Keene?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Keene?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.