Solar Panel Cost Guide in Meredith, NH (2023 Update)

  • Meredith Solar Installation Cost: $10,083
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,917
  • Payback Period: 9.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Meredith

We break down average solar pricing in Meredith.

The average cost of a solar system in Meredith is 2.91 per watt. The average Meredith homeowner needs a 5.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,083 with the federal tax credit, or $14,419 before the 30% tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With typical savings of about $21,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Meredith find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.

To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Meredith, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Meredith

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,003
3 years $-6,843
5 years $-4,683
7 years $-2,523
9 years $-363
11 years $1,797
13 years $3,957
15 years $6,117
17 years $8,277
19 years $10,437
21 years $12,597
23 years $14,757
25 years $16,917

Top Solar Installers in Meredith

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.

If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Meredith:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Meredith

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Meredith

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Meredith: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

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 $20,035 9.7 years
8 kW $2.97 $16,622 $27,039 9.5 years
10 kW $2.91 $20,370 $34,206 9.3 years
12 kW $2.85 $23,955 $41,537 9.1 years
14 kW $2.79 $27,377 $49,030 9.0 years
16 kW $2.74 $30,636 $56,686 8.8 years
18 kW $2.68 $33,733 $64,505 8.6 years
20 kW $2.62 $36,666 $72,487 8.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
  • Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven 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.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Meredith, NH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Meredith?

The average cost of solar panels in Meredith is about $14,550 for a 5-kW system and $29,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Meredith?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive 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 incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

How will solar panels impact my property value?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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 household 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.

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