Why solar makes sense (or doesn't) in New Hampshire
$0.20/W rebate from PUC up to $1,000 plus full net metering for systems under 100 kW.
Avg residential rate22¢ / kWh
Avg system cost$3.10 / W ($31,000 for 10 kW)
Peak sun hours / day4.2
Net meteringFull Net Metering
State tax creditNone
Federal tax credit30% (Residential Clean Energy Credit, through 2032)
Property tax exemptionYes
Sales tax exemptionYes
New Hampshire payback by monthly electric bill
The bigger your current bill, the faster solar pays back. Here's how the numbers work out for a typical New Hampshire home:
Monthly bill
System size
Gross cost
Federal credit
State credit
Net cost
Year-1 savings
Payback
$100
4.3 kW
$13,423
−$4,027
$0
$9,396
$1,139
7.6 yr
$150
6.5 kW
$20,150
−$6,045
$0
$14,105
$1,710
7.6 yr
$200
8.7 kW
$26,877
−$8,063
$0
$18,814
$2,281
7.6 yr
$300
13 kW
$40,300
−$12,090
$0
$28,210
$3,420
7.6 yr
Assumes 95% bill offset, 3% annual rate inflation, 0.5% annual panel degradation, and a 25-year system life.
Calculate your exact New Hampshire solar payback
Enter your real monthly electric bill to see your personalized payback estimate.
Best path forward in New Hampshire
The fastest, free way to see real installer quotes for your roof is to use a marketplace like EnergySage. You'll get up to 4 competing bids from local pros without phone harassment.
Frequently asked questions about solar in New Hampshire
How long does it take for solar panels to pay for themselves in New Hampshire?
For a typical New Hampshire home with a $150/month electric bill, a 6.5 kW system pays for itself in about 7.6 years. Higher bills (or higher state incentives) shorten this; lower bills lengthen it.
What's the average cost of solar panels in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire installers average $3.10 per watt before incentives. A typical 10 kW system costs roughly $31,000 gross, or about $14,105 after federal and state credits.
Does New Hampshire offer a state solar tax credit?
New Hampshire does not offer a state-level solar tax credit. However, the 30% federal Residential Clean Energy Credit still applies, and there may be utility rebates in your service area.
Does New Hampshire have net metering?
Yes — New Hampshire has full retail net metering, meaning you get one-for-one credit for any excess solar exported to the grid. This is the most favorable arrangement for solar owners.
Are solar panels worth it in New Hampshire in 2026?
For most New Hampshire homeowners with a monthly electric bill above $100, the answer is yes — payback typically lands between 5.3 and 9.9 years depending on roof orientation, shade, and incentive timing. The 30% federal credit is locked in through 2032, removing a major timing risk.