Solar Panel Cost Guide in Plymouth, NH (2023 Update)
- Plymouth Solar Installation Cost: $10,511
- 25-Year Savings: $16,289
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Plymouth
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Plymouth.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Plymouth typically cost about 2.91. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Plymouth, most homeowners require a 5.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,511, or $15,031 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Plymouth homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Plymouth homeowner can save around $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Plymouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,439 |
| 3 years | $-7,295 |
| 5 years | $-5,151 |
| 7 years | $-3,007 |
| 9 years | $-863 |
| 11 years | $1,281 |
| 13 years | $3,425 |
| 15 years | $5,569 |
| 17 years | $7,713 |
| 19 years | $9,857 |
| 21 years | $12,001 |
| 23 years | $14,145 |
| 25 years | $16,289 |
Top Solar Installers in Plymouth
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Plymouth, the EcoWatch team has organized 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 Plymouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Plymouth
There are a number of factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Plymouth, 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 usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,910 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Plymouth, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Plymouth is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $18,432 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $24,903 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $31,536 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $38,332 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $45,291 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $52,413 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $59,697 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $67,145 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
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 Plymouth, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Plymouth?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Plymouth?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Plymouth?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger 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.