Solar Panel Cost Guide in Walpole, NH (2023 Update)
- Walpole Solar Installation Cost: $10,177
- 25-Year Savings: $14,823
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Walpole
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Walpole.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Walpole, the average cost of solar panels is 2.91 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Walpole is around 5.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,185 for a solar installation, or $14,565 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Walpole
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,094 |
| 3 years | $-9,927 |
| 5 years | $-9,760 |
| 7 years | $-9,594 |
| 9 years | $-9,427 |
| 11 years | $-9,260 |
| 13 years | $-9,094 |
| 15 years | $-8,927 |
| 17 years | $-8,760 |
| 19 years | $-8,594 |
| 21 years | $-8,427 |
| 23 years | $-8,260 |
| 25 years | $-8,094 |
Top Solar Installers in Walpole
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Walpole:
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 Walpole
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Walpole
There are a number of criteria that can determine your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Walpole, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $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 trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Walpole homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Walpole, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $17,313 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.97 | $16,622 | $23,410 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.91 | $20,370 | $29,670 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.85 | $23,955 | $36,093 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.79 | $27,377 | $42,679 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.74 | $30,636 | $49,428 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.68 | $33,733 | $56,339 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.62 | $36,666 | $63,414 | 9.2 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:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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 Walpole, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Walpole?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Walpole?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Walpole, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.