Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portsmouth, NH (2025 Update)
- Portsmouth Solar Installation Cost: $14,236
- 25-Year Savings: $20,934
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portsmouth
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Portsmouth.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Portsmouth, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Portsmouth homeowner needs a 4.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,236 with the federal tax credit, or $20,357 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $20,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Portsmouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,829 |
| 3 years | $-10,016 |
| 5 years | $-7,202 |
| 7 years | $-4,388 |
| 9 years | $-1,575 |
| 11 years | $1,239 |
| 13 years | $4,053 |
| 15 years | $6,866 |
| 17 years | $9,680 |
| 19 years | $12,493 |
| 21 years | $15,307 |
| 23 years | $18,121 |
| 25 years | $20,934 |
Top Solar Installers in Portsmouth
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Portsmouth:
See all of the solar companies in Portsmouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portsmouth
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Portsmouth is $14,236, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 about $4,220 per kilowatt in Portsmouth.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Portsmouth, which can bring down, 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 put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Portsmouth is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete 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 vehicle 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 | $4.39 | $18,433 | $12,692 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.30 | $24,105 | $17,396 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.22 | $29,540 | $22,336 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $4.14 | $34,739 | $27,512 | 14.0 years |
| 14 kW | $4.05 | $39,702 | $32,924 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.97 | $44,428 | $38,573 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.88 | $48,918 | $44,458 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.80 | $53,172 | $50,579 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Portsmouth, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions 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.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
EcoWatch's Portsmouth, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Portsmouth?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $21,100 for a 5-kW system and $42,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Portsmouth?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Portsmouth. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 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.