Solar Panel Cost Guide in Strafford, NH (2023 Update)
- Strafford Solar Installation Cost: $10,004
- 25-Year Savings: $16,172
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Strafford
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Strafford.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Strafford generally cost around 2.91. The average solar panel system size in Strafford is around 4.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,002 for a solar installation, or $14,303 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Strafford based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $20,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Strafford find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Strafford for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Strafford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,917 |
| 3 years | $-9,742 |
| 5 years | $-9,568 |
| 7 years | $-9,393 |
| 9 years | $-9,219 |
| 11 years | $-9,044 |
| 13 years | $-8,870 |
| 15 years | $-8,695 |
| 17 years | $-8,521 |
| 19 years | $-8,346 |
| 21 years | $-8,172 |
| 23 years | $-7,997 |
| 25 years | $-7,823 |
Top Solar Installers in Strafford
Installing solar panels yourself can be a stressful task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Strafford, thereby optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Strafford:
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 Strafford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Strafford
Although the average cost of a solar system in Strafford is $10,002, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Strafford, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,910 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Strafford have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Strafford homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Strafford's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater 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 promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $19,268 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $26,016 | 9.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $32,928 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $40,002 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $47,240 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $54,640 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $62,203 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $69,930 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
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 Strafford, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Strafford?
The average cost of solar panels in Strafford 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 type 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 Strafford?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is it worth going solar in Strafford?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.