Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy offers multiple benefits. Let's look at a few of them.
- Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the expensive cost of grid-tied power by generating some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to credit part of your bill.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on non-renewable sources.
- Better energy independence: Solar panel systems can keep your home powered through blackouts and emergencies, giving you additional security. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Manchester Homeowners?
New Hampshire homeowners who upgrade to solar could qualify for special financing, reimbursements, rebates and tax credits. Here are just a few of the local incentive programs.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Website: nh.govIncentive Amount:
Varies (local option)
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: puc.nh.govIncentive Amount:
$0.20/watt
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: eversource.comIncentive Amount:
Lighting: Online discounts & coupons at participating retailers
LED Light Fixture: $5
Heating/Cooling Equipment: Up to $400
Heat Pump Water Heaters: Up to $600
Clothes Dryers: up to $200
Clothes Washer: Up to $50
Dehumidifier: $25
ENERGY STAR Homes: $4,000
Natural Gas Heating Equipment: Up to $1,500
Natural Gas thermostats: Up to $100
Pool Pumps: Up to $500
Refrigerator and Freezer Recycling: $30
Refrigerators: Up to $75
Room Air Conditioner: $20
Room Air Purifiers: $40
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: puc.nh.govIncentive Amount:
$1,500, $1,700 or $1,900, depending on annual estimated system output
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: puc.nh.govIncentive Amount:
40%
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Manchester
The cost and performance of solar panels often depend on the solar company that mounted them. Make your choice based on the following important considerations.
Licensing and Training
A master electrician must be present to supervise solar photovoltaic installations in New Hampshire. However, solar thermal installers need not be licensed plumbers unless a locality requires it. Look for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), one of the solar industry's most respected trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.
Cost of Solar Panels in Manchester
Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.
If you want to charge an electric car or use your solar power in dark weather, you can pay extra for accessories. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more productive and user-friendly. Not every solar provider includes these optional components, so look for a company that sells them if it's a priority for you.
You can expect to pay about $21,100 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Manchester. Use the table in this section to get an idea of what amount Manchester solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.
| Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| Solar Monocrystalline | $1,181 |
| Solar Polycrystalline | $922 |
| Thin-Film | $539 |
| Solar Battery | $756 |
| Solar Home EV Charger | $2,835 |
Financing Solar Energy in Manchester
There are a plethora of ways to pay for a solar energy system, and the right one will reduce your expenses. A few of the most common options include loans, power purchase agreements (PPAs), leases, and cash payments. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments require a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Similar to a home or auto loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with potentially $0 down. Solar leases allow you to pay a monthly rate to rent your panels, while a PPA lets you pay a variable rate based on only the energy you use. We generally don't recommend these options since you will not have ownership of your system and are disqualified from solar incentives, but they might be suitable in certain circumstances. We advise working with a contractor that offers multiple financing options. Talk to each representative about what's available, and secure more than one estimate for the best odds of keeping within your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Manchester.
You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. City and state officials and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and dedicated financing plans that could save you more.
| Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
|---|---|
| 1 kW | 2.2 years |
| 2 kW | 4.4 years |
| 5 kW | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | 21.9 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Manchester
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How popular is solar energy in Manchester?
Will solar panels boost my Manchester home price?
Could I still use solar power if I live in a rainy, dark, or wooded area?
How can I determine my property's solar suitability?
Is solar installation a fast job?
What are the signs I shouldn't use a particular solar company for my job?
- Pushy sales approach
- Not being straightforward about cost, warranties, training and credentials and references
- Inflexible options
- Not thoroughly inspecting your site
- Limited customer feedback
How are traditional solar loans and PPAs different?
You might think about a PPA if you don’t want to be responsible for maintenance and don’t want to invest in a system, but keep in mind you won’t be paying toward ownership or be able to access any solar financial incentives. Many solar experts don’t recommend PPAs. Our guide covers other financing options above.
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