Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sunapee, NH (Mar 2023)
- Sunapee Solar Installation Cost: $10,287
- 25-Year Savings: $15,913
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sunapee
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Sunapee.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Sunapee, the average cost of solar panels is 2.91 per watt. The average Sunapee homeowner needs a 5.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,287 with the federal tax credit, or $14,710 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With average savings of about $20,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Sunapee find going solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Sunapee
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,239 |
| 3 years | $-7,143 |
| 5 years | $-5,047 |
| 7 years | $-2,951 |
| 9 years | $-855 |
| 11 years | $1,241 |
| 13 years | $3,337 |
| 15 years | $5,433 |
| 17 years | $7,529 |
| 19 years | $9,625 |
| 21 years | $11,721 |
| 23 years | $13,817 |
| 25 years | $15,913 |
Top Solar Installers in Sunapee
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
There are a number of 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 Sunapee
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sunapee
For many Sunapee homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sunapee, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Sunapee average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Sunapee to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger 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 | $18,403 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $24,863 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $31,487 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $38,273 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $45,222 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $52,334 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $59,609 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $67,047 | 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 models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Sunapee, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sunapee?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Sunapee?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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.
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.