Solar Panel Cost Guide in Peterborough, NH (2023 Update)
- Peterborough 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 Peterborough
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Peterborough.
The average cost of solar panels in Peterborough is 2.91 per watt. Because a 5.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Peterborough, the average price of going solar will be about $10,083 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Peterborough homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Peterborough homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Peterborough
| 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 Peterborough
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Peterborough, optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Peterborough, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Peterborough
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Peterborough
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Peterborough: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge 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 changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Peterborough, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to include 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 how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Peterborough, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $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
There are a lot of companies available in Peterborough, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
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 Peterborough, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Peterborough?
The average cost of solar panels in Peterborough is about $14,550 for a 5-kW system and $29,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Peterborough?
A solar panel system isn't free in Peterborough, 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 can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Peterborough, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.