5 Best Solar Companies in New Hampshire (2024 Guide)
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Despite having one of the nation’s smaller solar markets, New Hampshire is dedicated to expanding its renewable energy potential. The state aims to generate at least 25.5% of its electricity from clean energy by 2025. Using more solar energy will also help its residents save on higher-than-average electricity rates. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), New Hampshire residents pay 30 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh)—nearly double the national average.
Our team spent over 60 hours researching leading solar companies on the national, regional, and local levels. We’ve chosen the best solar companies in New Hampshire, plus provided tips for choosing the right solar installer for your home.
Compare Solar Companies in New Hampshire
New Hampshire’s Top Solar Energy Companies
Our Top Picks for Solar Panel Installation in NH
SunPower
Best High-Efficiency System
Learn more: SunPower review
Learn more: Sunrun review
Learn more: Venture Solar review
Learn more: All Energy Solar review
What Are the Available Solar Incentives in New Hampshire?
Transitioning to clean energy requires a significant up-front investment. According to EcoWatch, installing a solar panel system in New Hampshire costs $19,000 on average. Federal, state, and local solar incentives in New Hampshire can help to reduce solar energy system costs.
The federal tax credit provides a tax credit equal to 30% of your installation costs and applies to rooftop solar panels, roofing, and stand-alone battery storage. New Hampshire homeowners also benefit from property tax exemption, which eliminates the added taxes that typically come with installing a solar system while allowing you to still benefit from increased home value.
The Residential Renewable Electrical Generation Rebate Program pays New Hampshire residents $200 per kilowatt (kW) of solar installed. You can earn up to $1,000 or 30% of your solar system costs, whichever is lower. We learned that these annual rebates have a small application window, so homeowners should be mindful of deadlines. For example, the 2022 application time frame lasted from Oct. 1–31. The 2023 application dates have not been announced as of this writing.
Utility companies also offer additional solar credits and rebates. The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC) mandates net metering for most utility companies throughout the state. Customers earn utility bill credits for selling their excess energy to the power grid. However, payout rates and program guidelines vary among companies.
Eversource also offers its Eversource ConnectedSolutions Program, which allows customers to earn money by allowing the company to use their battery storage during peak hours. You can earn $230 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), up to a maximum of $3,000. However, you must install approved Generac, Enphase, or Sonen batteries to qualify.
We recommend visiting the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) for a complete list of local solar incentives.
What Should You Look For in a Solar Company?
We recommend comparing the following factors to find the best solar company for your needs.
Solar Services
Many solar panel companies employ in-house or third-party installers. In-house teams work directly for the solar installer, so they have better quality control and smoother communication. Some companies assign a project manager during your solar panel system planning who will guide you from start to finish. Quality varies more widely amongst third-party installers, increasing the chances of a subpar installation. You’ll also have to contact another party regarding any issues, which could lead to communication breakdowns.
Additional solar services to look for include system monitoring, energy audits, and roofing services. Some solar companies hold additional licenses to perform professional electrical and roofing repairs. Check each company for available services and note if they’re included with basic service or require additional monthly costs.
Warranties and Power Production Guarantees
As with any big investment, you’ll want to ensure your solar system lasts through its life span. The average solar panels last 25 years or longer, so you’ll want warranty coverage at least this long. Most solar installation companies offer two warranty plans: manufacturer (or product) and workmanship. The product warranty protects against manufacturing defects, and the workmanship warranty covers installation failures. Many high-quality solar panels include protection for 25 years or longer. Look for long-term warranties that match your panels’ estimated life span for the best coverage.
Some solar installers include a power production guarantee for added protection. These guarantees outline the panels’ estimated energy production and account for gradual panel degradation. According to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), solar panels drop in efficiency by 0.5% annually. Quality panels have higher starting efficiencies than cheaper solar panels, resulting in less impactful degeneration. Companies include these warranties to protect their panels’ linear production and offer upgrades or replacements if they fall below predicted levels. These guarantees vary by company but typically last between two and 25 years.
Payment Options
Most solar companies offer two or more solar system financing options. Cash payments and solar loans are the most common and offer the best benefits. Both payments qualify you as the legal system owner, a requirement for most solar incentives. Other payment options, such as solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs), allow customers to lease the system, keeping ownership with the solar provider. They offer limited benefits and disqualify you from added installation savings. Unless panel ownership is not your priority, we recommend choosing up-front payments or solar loans for the best financial benefits.
Customer Support
Homeowners should check each company’s customer support team for availability and contact options. Some companies offer support 24/7, while others have limited office hours. You should also check the company’s methods of contact. Many installers provide phone and email access. Look for additional support features, such as online chat and in-app correspondence. When we tested several online chat features, we found mixed results. Some companies connected us to a live agent, while others used automated responses.
We recommend checking each company’s third-party customer reviews, noting any mentions of poor customer support. This includes unanswered calls, delayed responses, and unfriendly agents.
How To Get a Solar Quote in New Hampshire
As you shop for your new solar power system, we recommend requesting multiple quotes from potential companies. Compare product catalogs, financing options, warranty coverage, and overall costs. Below is a step-by-step guide on the typical solar quotes process.
- Reach out to each company: Most companies provide multiple points of contact, such as the phone or an online form. During our secret shipping experience, our calls were directed to a rep who verified our service area and solar eligibility. However, they provided little to no information on specific plans. We were transferred to a sales rep for further assistance. Check online forms for opt-in info regarding automated calls and text messages before agreeing.
- Schedule your consultation: Companies typically offer virtual or in-person consultations. You can schedule in-person visits online or over the phone. Check any equipment and video call requirements before scheduling a virtual consultation.
- Review your energy use: Solar installers build a system to meet your energy needs. To do this, they’ll review your latest electric bill to provide insight into your average usage. Some companies may request several months to account for seasonal fluctuations in energy use. We recommend having several statements available for your assessment.
- Assess your roof design: The company rep will check your roof size and build your solar array based on the available space. They’ll account for structural designs, such as skylights and chimneys, and position panels to maximize available sunlight. If there’s any structural damage or you have surrounding trees casting shadows on the roof, the rep may recommend additional repairs or tree removal.
- Build your solar system: Based on your roof and energy use assessments, the company will design an optimal home system. Depending on their available products, you’ll choose from solar panel types, inverters, and add-on options, such as solar batteries and electric vehicle (EV) chargers.
- Review your final system and contract: Your quote will include all final costs, equipment, warranty coverage, and financing options. When we spoke to solar experts, they advised that solar quotes should have an itemized list of all pricing, including labor. Your quote should also include your estimated solar payback period—the time frame when your solar system pays for itself. Some companies also assist you with finding and applying for solar incentives to lower your initial costs.
Find Local Solar Panel Installers in NH
Our Conclusion
We recommend SunPower as the best solar installer for New Hampshire residents. The company uses high-efficiency panels and in-house components to enhance system performance. Although SunPower costs more than other solar providers, you’ll be investing in a high-quality system designed for excellent performance with 25 years of protection.
We recommend getting quotes from at least three providers to compare pricing and offerings before deciding.
Other New Hampshire Home Service Resources
FAQ About Solar Companies in New Hampshire
Is solar worth it in New Hampshire?
Yes, solar is a worthwhile investment in New Hampshire due to the state’s higher-than-average electricity rates. Not only will residents save more on energy costs, but they’ll also reduce their carbon footprint, contributing to New Hampshire’s renewable energy goals.
Do solar panels increase property taxes in New Hampshire?
No, solar panels don’t increase property tax in New Hampshire, thanks to the state’s Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy law. Homeowners benefit from the added property value gained from installing a solar system but won’t incur additional taxation.
How much do solar panels cost in NH?
EcoWatch estimates that the average solar panel cost in New Hampshire is around $19,000. This price varies based on system size, energy needs, and solar company pricing. Homeowners can use federal and state solar incentives to lower their investment costs, making solar conversion more economical.
Does solar power make sense in New Hampshire?
Yes, solar panels work well in New Hampshire since the state has around 198 sunny days annually. Although this falls below the national average of 205, homeowners still have plenty of sunlight to benefit from a solar system. They can also invest in a solar battery, such as the Tesla Powerwall, for backup energy on cloudy days.
Our Rating Methodology
We are committed to providing comprehensive and unbiased reviews to our readers. After over a thousand hours of research on solar companies, interviews with experts, and common customer needs, we’ve created a detailed rating system for solar providers based on six factors:
- Solar equipment, installation, and services (25%)
- Warranty and performance guarantees (25%)
- Brand reputation and certifications (15%)
- Financing options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
Total scores are divided by 20 for a final 5-point rating scale.
To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews team at reviews@thisoldhousereviews.com.