Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pelham, NH (Mar 2023)
- Pelham Solar Installation Cost: $10,083
- 25-Year Savings: $14,917
- Payback Period: 10.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pelham
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Pelham.
The average cost of a solar system in Pelham is 2.91 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Pelham, most homeowners require a 5.0-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,083, or $14,419 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Pelham depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pelham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,083 |
| 3 years | $-7,083 |
| 5 years | $-5,083 |
| 7 years | $-3,083 |
| 9 years | $-1,083 |
| 11 years | $917 |
| 13 years | $2,917 |
| 15 years | $4,917 |
| 17 years | $6,917 |
| 19 years | $8,917 |
| 21 years | $10,917 |
| 23 years | $12,917 |
| 25 years | $14,917 |
Top Solar Installers in Pelham
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and know-how. For that reason, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Pelham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pelham
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Pelham is $10,083, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system 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 system in Pelham, 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall 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. Plus, 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
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Pelham, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 kind of solar panels and the installer 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:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 Pelham, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pelham?
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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Pelham?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Pelham is currently $349,000, so you could be looking at a value of about $14,309 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Pelham is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 house 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.