Best 5 Solar Companies in Concord, NH

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Concord

The price and efficacy of solar panels often hinge on the provider that installed them. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.

Licensing and Training

A master electrician must oversee solar photovoltaic installations in New Hampshire. However, solar thermal installers need not be licensed plumbers unless a locality requires it. Check for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in Concord

Your photovoltaic panels' model will affect how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels generate less, but they're a great traditional option for low budgets. Thin-film panels have a low cost and are excellent for non-traditional roofs, but aren't recommended for large home installations.

Additional accessories, such as electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery storage, will increase your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar providers offer these extras, so look for a contractor that sells them if it's important for you.

Most Concord homeowners select solar systems sized for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems run about $21,100 to set up, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Concord

There are many ways to pay for new solar panels, and the right one will minimize your overhead. A few of the most common options include cash payments, loans, leases, and power purchase agreements (PPAs). We advise paying with cash or securing a solar loan for the highest return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also have full ownership of your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to cut your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll pay more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases allow you to rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and don't grant you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for companies that offer several payment plans to find the right fit for your pocket.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Concord.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and specialized financing options that could save you more.