Solar Panel Cost Guide in Keene, NH (2024 Update)
- Keene Solar Installation Cost: $14,758
- 25-Year Savings: $14,823
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Keene
We break down average solar pricing in Keene.
The average cost of solar panels in Keene is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Keene, most homeowners require a 5.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,758, or $21,104 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Keene homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $19,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Keene find investing in solar can pay off big.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Keene
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,352 |
| 3 years | $-10,538 |
| 5 years | $-7,724 |
| 7 years | $-4,911 |
| 9 years | $-2,097 |
| 11 years | $717 |
| 13 years | $3,530 |
| 15 years | $6,344 |
| 17 years | $9,158 |
| 19 years | $11,971 |
| 21 years | $14,785 |
| 23 years | $17,599 |
| 25 years | $20,412 |
Top Solar Installers in Keene
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you get the most out of your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Keene
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Keene
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $4,220. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Keene, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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
Most solar companies in Keene provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Keene homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Keene, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is 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 | $4.39 | $18,433 | $11,591 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.30 | $24,105 | $15,927 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.22 | $29,540 | $20,500 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $4.14 | $34,739 | $25,309 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $4.05 | $39,702 | $30,354 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.97 | $44,428 | $35,636 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.88 | $48,918 | $41,154 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.80 | $53,172 | $46,908 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Keene, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Keene?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Keene?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Keene?
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 offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Keene?
Although 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 opt to replace them once you've had 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.