Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stratham, NH (Mar 2023)
- Stratham Solar Installation Cost: $9,818
- 25-Year Savings: $13,898
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stratham
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Stratham.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Stratham generally cost around 2.91. The average solar panel system size in Stratham is around 4.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,818 for a solar installation, or $14,040 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Stratham can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stratham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,870 |
| 3 years | $-6,972 |
| 5 years | $-5,075 |
| 7 years | $-3,178 |
| 9 years | $-1,280 |
| 11 years | $617 |
| 13 years | $2,514 |
| 15 years | $4,412 |
| 17 years | $6,309 |
| 19 years | $8,206 |
| 21 years | $10,104 |
| 23 years | $12,001 |
| 25 years | $13,898 |
Top Solar Installers in Stratham
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. The expertise that solar installers offer can be helpful as well, especially if you don't quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Stratham
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stratham
The cost of installing a solar system in Stratham can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Stratham, 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 consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,910 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Stratham to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better 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 down 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 | $16,816 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $22,747 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $28,841 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $35,099 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $41,519 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $48,102 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $54,848 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $61,757 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Stratham, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Stratham, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Stratham?
The average cost of solar panels in Stratham is about $14,550 for a 5-kW system and $29,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors 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 Stratham?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't 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 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $984.23 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.