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

  • Pelham Solar Installation Cost: $10,086
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,914
  • Payback Period: 10.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 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 Pelham

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Pelham.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Pelham, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.91 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.0-kW system would cost about $10,083 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with. With typical savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pelham find going solar can be quite rewarding.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Pelham that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Pelham

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,003
3 years $-9,836
5 years $-9,670
7 years $-9,503
9 years $-9,336
11 years $-9,170
13 years $-9,003
15 years $-8,836
17 years $-8,670
19 years $-8,503
21 years $-8,336
23 years $-8,170
25 years $-8,003

Top Solar Installers in Pelham

DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be helpful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Pelham

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pelham

The cost of installing a solar system in Pelham can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Pelham, one of the most crucial 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 usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,910 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Pelham, 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

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Pelham, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Pelham, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Pelham are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

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 $17,583 10.5 years
8 kW $2.97 $16,622 $23,770 10.3 years
10 kW $2.91 $20,370 $30,120 10.1 years
12 kW $2.85 $23,955 $36,632 9.9 years
14 kW $2.79 $27,377 $43,308 9.7 years
16 kW $2.74 $30,636 $50,147 9.5 years
18 kW $2.68 $33,733 $57,148 9.3 years
20 kW $2.62 $36,666 $64,313 9.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.

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 Pelham, NH Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pelham?

The average cost of solar panels in Pelham 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Pelham?

Solar panels aren't free in Pelham, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

Does Pelham have a net metering program?

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 power bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level 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.

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