Solar Panel Cost Guide in Portsmouth, NH (2023 Update)
- Portsmouth Solar Installation Cost: $9,818
- 25-Year Savings: $15,182
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Portsmouth
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Portsmouth.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Portsmouth it's 2.91 per watt. Because a 4.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Portsmouth, the average price of going solar will be about $9,818 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Portsmouth can save about $20,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Portsmouth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,818 |
| 3 years | $-6,818 |
| 5 years | $-4,818 |
| 7 years | $-2,818 |
| 9 years | $-818 |
| 11 years | $1,182 |
| 13 years | $3,182 |
| 15 years | $5,182 |
| 17 years | $7,182 |
| 19 years | $9,182 |
| 21 years | $11,182 |
| 23 years | $13,182 |
| 25 years | $15,182 |
Top Solar Installers in Portsmouth
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Local solar installers can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Portsmouth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Portsmouth
There are many factors that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 $2,910 per kilowatt in Portsmouth. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Portsmouth, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Portsmouth homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Portsmouth, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Portsmouth are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $18,415 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $24,879 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $31,506 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $38,296 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $45,249 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $52,365 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $59,644 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $67,085 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- 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.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you choose.
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 Portsmouth, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Portsmouth?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,550 for a 5-kW system and $29,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Portsmouth?
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 can't take advantage of 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Portsmouth?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much 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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.