Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pittsfield, NH (2023 Update)
- Pittsfield Solar Installation Cost: $10,144
- 25-Year Savings: $15,151
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pittsfield
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Pittsfield.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Pittsfield generally cost around 2.91. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Pittsfield, most homeowners require a 5.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,144, or $14,506 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Pittsfield see about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Pittsfield, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Pittsfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,132 |
| 3 years | $-7,109 |
| 5 years | $-5,085 |
| 7 years | $-3,062 |
| 9 years | $-1,038 |
| 11 years | $986 |
| 13 years | $3,009 |
| 15 years | $5,033 |
| 17 years | $7,056 |
| 19 years | $9,080 |
| 21 years | $11,104 |
| 23 years | $13,127 |
| 25 years | $15,151 |
Top Solar Installers in Pittsfield
Installing solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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 Pittsfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsfield
For many Pittsfield homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Pittsfield, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,910 per kilowatt in Pittsfield. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. When estimating 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
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a part in determining your pricing. Pittsfield's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and bulk 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 | $17,767 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $24,015 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $30,426 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $37,001 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $43,738 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $50,638 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $57,701 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $64,927 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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 Pittsfield, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Pittsfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Pittsfield 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 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 Pittsfield?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford 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 home 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.