Solar Panel Cost Guide in Chester, NH (2024 Update)
- Chester Solar Installation Cost: $14,236
- 25-Year Savings: $16,983
- Payback Period: 13.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Chester
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Chester.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Chester typically cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 4.8-kW system would cost about $14,236 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Chester can save about $21,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Chester for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Chester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,829 |
| 3 years | $-10,016 |
| 5 years | $-7,202 |
| 7 years | $-4,388 |
| 9 years | $-1,575 |
| 11 years | $1,239 |
| 13 years | $4,053 |
| 15 years | $6,866 |
| 17 years | $9,680 |
| 19 years | $12,493 |
| 21 years | $15,307 |
| 23 years | $18,121 |
| 25 years | $20,934 |
Top Solar Installers in Chester
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Another upside of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Chester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Chester
There are many criteria that can play into your solar panel 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Chester homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Chester, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.39 | $18,433 | $14,933 | 13.8 years |
| 8 kW | $4.30 | $24,105 | $20,383 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $4.22 | $29,540 | $26,070 | 13.3 years |
| 12 kW | $4.14 | $34,739 | $31,993 | 13.0 years |
| 14 kW | $4.05 | $39,702 | $38,152 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.97 | $44,428 | $44,547 | 12.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.88 | $48,918 | $51,179 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.80 | $53,172 | $58,047 | 12.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Chester, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Chester?
The average cost of solar panels in Chester 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 things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Chester?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Chester. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Chester?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.