Solar Panel Cost Guide in Winchester, NH (2024 Update)
- Winchester Solar Installation Cost: $14,758
- 25-Year Savings: $14,823
- Payback Period: 14.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Winchester
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Winchester.
In Winchester, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Winchester homeowner needs a 5.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,758 with the federal tax credit, or $21,104 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.With average savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Winchester find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Winchester that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Winchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,352 |
| 3 years | $-10,538 |
| 5 years | $-7,724 |
| 7 years | $-4,911 |
| 9 years | $-2,097 |
| 11 years | $717 |
| 13 years | $3,530 |
| 15 years | $6,344 |
| 17 years | $9,158 |
| 19 years | $11,971 |
| 21 years | $14,785 |
| 23 years | $17,599 |
| 25 years | $20,412 |
Top Solar Installers in Winchester
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
There are several criteria that can affect your 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,220.The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Winchester, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.39 | $18,433 | $11,591 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.30 | $24,105 | $15,927 | 15.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.22 | $29,540 | $20,500 | 14.8 years |
| 12 kW | $4.14 | $34,739 | $25,309 | 14.5 years |
| 14 kW | $4.05 | $39,702 | $30,354 | 14.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.97 | $44,428 | $35,636 | 13.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.88 | $48,918 | $41,154 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.80 | $53,172 | $46,908 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of 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:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Winchester is about $21,100 for a 5-kW system and $42,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Winchester?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Winchester, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Winchester is currently $276,124, which means you can look forward to a value of about $11,321 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Winchester is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 house 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.