Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Merrimack, NH (2024 Update)
- East Merrimack Solar Installation Cost: $14,627
- 25-Year Savings: $14,914
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Merrimack
We go over average solar pricing in East Merrimack.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in East Merrimack it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.0-kW system would cost about $14,627 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in East Merrimack that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in East Merrimack
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,220 |
| 3 years | $-10,406 |
| 5 years | $-7,593 |
| 7 years | $-4,779 |
| 9 years | $-1,966 |
| 11 years | $848 |
| 13 years | $3,662 |
| 15 years | $6,475 |
| 17 years | $9,289 |
| 19 years | $12,103 |
| 21 years | $14,916 |
| 23 years | $17,730 |
| 25 years | $20,544 |
Top Solar Installers in East Merrimack
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 East Merrimack
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Merrimack
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in East Merrimack: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,220.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in East Merrimack to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in East Merrimack, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in East Merrimack know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $11,861 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.30 | $24,105 | $16,287 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.22 | $29,540 | $20,950 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $4.14 | $34,739 | $25,848 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $4.05 | $39,702 | $30,984 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.97 | $44,428 | $36,355 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.88 | $48,918 | $41,963 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.80 | $53,172 | $47,807 | 13.2 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 models 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
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 East Merrimack, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in East Merrimack?
The average cost of solar panels in East Merrimack 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 consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does East Merrimack have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system generates 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.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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.