Solar Panel Cost Guide in Lee, NH (2023 Update)
- Lee Solar Installation Cost: $10,004
- 25-Year Savings: $16,796
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Lee
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Lee.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Lee, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.91 per watt. The average Lee homeowner needs a 4.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,002 with the federal tax credit, or $14,303 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Lee can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Lee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,915 |
| 3 years | $-9,736 |
| 5 years | $-9,558 |
| 7 years | $-9,379 |
| 9 years | $-9,200 |
| 11 years | $-9,022 |
| 13 years | $-8,843 |
| 15 years | $-8,664 |
| 17 years | $-8,486 |
| 19 years | $-8,307 |
| 21 years | $-8,128 |
| 23 years | $-7,950 |
| 25 years | $-7,771 |
Top Solar Installers in Lee
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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 Lee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Lee
There are many criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Lee, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,910 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Lee homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Lee's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $3.03 | $12,711 | $20,030 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $27,033 | 9.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $34,198 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $41,527 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $49,018 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $56,673 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $64,490 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $72,470 | 8.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, 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.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
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 Lee, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Lee?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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 extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How long do solar panels last in Lee?
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.