Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winchester, NH (Mar 2023)
- Winchester Solar Installation Cost: $10,185
- 25-Year Savings: $14,816
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winchester
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Winchester.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Winchester generally cost around 2.91. The average solar panel system size in Winchester 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.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Winchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,185 |
| 3 years | $-7,185 |
| 5 years | $-5,185 |
| 7 years | $-3,185 |
| 9 years | $-1,185 |
| 11 years | $815 |
| 13 years | $2,815 |
| 15 years | $4,815 |
| 17 years | $6,815 |
| 19 years | $8,815 |
| 21 years | $10,815 |
| 23 years | $12,815 |
| 25 years | $14,816 |
Top Solar Installers in Winchester
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Winchester:
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 Winchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Winchester
For many Winchester homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Winchester, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,910. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Winchester, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Winchester, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Winchester is the company you get to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $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 many companies available in Winchester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading 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 such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 Winchester, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Winchester?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Winchester?
You can't get solar panels for free in Winchester. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Winchester have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.