Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bow, NH (2024 Update)

  • Bow Solar Installation Cost: $14,710
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,573
  • Payback Period: 15.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bow

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Bow.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bow it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Bow is around 5.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,710 for a solar installation, or $21,035 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Bow based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $18,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bow find investing in solar has a decent ROI.

To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Bow, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Bow

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-13,303
3 years$-10,489
5 years$-7,676
7 years$-4,862
9 years$-2,048
11 years$765
13 years$3,579
15 years$6,392
17 years$9,206
19 years$12,020
21 years$14,833
23 years$17,647
25 years$20,461

Top Solar Installers in Bow

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's why most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Bow

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bow

There are many criteria that can determine your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $4,220. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bow average.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bow homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bow is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Bow know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.39$18,433$10,14316.1 years
8 kW$4.30$24,105$13,99715.8 years
10 kW$4.22$29,540$18,08615.5 years
12 kW$4.14$34,739$22,41315.2 years
14 kW$4.05$39,702$26,97514.9 years
16 kW$3.97$44,428$31,77414.6 years
18 kW$3.88$48,918$36,80914.3 years
20 kW$3.80$53,172$42,08114.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: Well-established companies 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.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0
  • 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

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 Bow, NH Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bow?

The average cost of solar panels in Bow is about $21,100 for a 5-kW system and $42,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Does Bow have a net metering program?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.

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.