Solar Panel Cost Guide in Litchfield, NH (2024 Update)
- Litchfield Solar Installation Cost: $14,627
- 25-Year Savings: $14,914
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Litchfield
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Litchfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Litchfield it’s 4 per watt.The average Litchfield homeowner needs a 5.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,627 with the federal tax credit, or $20,917 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.Despite the high initial cost, the average Litchfield homeowner can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Litchfield for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Litchfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,220 |
| 3 years | $-10,406 |
| 5 years | $-7,593 |
| 7 years | $-4,779 |
| 9 years | $-1,966 |
| 11 years | $848 |
| 13 years | $3,662 |
| 15 years | $6,475 |
| 17 years | $9,289 |
| 19 years | $12,103 |
| 21 years | $14,916 |
| 23 years | $17,730 |
| 25 years | $20,544 |
Top Solar Installers in Litchfield
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Litchfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Litchfield
Though the average cost of a solar system in Litchfield is $14,627, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Litchfield, one of the most important 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 figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $4,220 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Litchfield homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Litchfield, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $11,861 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.30 | $24,105 | $16,287 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.22 | $29,540 | $20,950 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $4.14 | $34,739 | $25,848 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $4.05 | $39,702 | $30,984 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.97 | $44,428 | $36,355 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.88 | $48,918 | $41,963 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.80 | $53,172 | $47,807 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Litchfield, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy 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 what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 Litchfield, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Litchfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Litchfield is about $21,100 for a 5-kW system and $42,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Litchfield?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Litchfield is currently $556,229, so you can look forward to a value of about $22,805 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Litchfield is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 usually 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.