Solar Panel Cost Guide in Stratham, NH (2023 Update)
- Stratham Solar Installation Cost: $9,817
- 25-Year Savings: $13,900
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Stratham
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Stratham.
The average cost of solar panels in Stratham is 2.91 per watt. 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 true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Stratham based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Stratham homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a vetted solar company in Stratham, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Stratham
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,410 |
| 3 years | $-5,596 |
| 5 years | $-2,783 |
| 7 years | $31 |
| 9 years | $2,845 |
| 11 years | $5,658 |
| 13 years | $8,472 |
| 15 years | $11,285 |
| 17 years | $14,099 |
| 19 years | $16,913 |
| 21 years | $19,726 |
| 23 years | $22,540 |
| 25 years | $25,354 |
Top Solar Installers in Stratham
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you aren't sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
There are many criteria 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 system.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Stratham average.
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. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Stratham, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer'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 if the company goes out of business.
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?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Stratham?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
Does Stratham have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Stratham?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.