Solar Panel Cost Guide in Exeter, NH (2024 Update)
- Exeter Solar Installation Cost: $14,236
- 25-Year Savings: $13,900
- Payback Period: 15.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Exeter
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Exeter.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Exeter typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in Exeter is around 4.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,236 for a solar installation, or $20,357 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Exeter depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Exeter find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Exeter for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Exeter
| 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 Exeter
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since installing solar panels on your own can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Another benefit of going with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Exeter
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Exeter
For many Exeter homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Exeter, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Exeter, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,220 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Exeter, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering 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 lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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 | $11,094 | 15.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.30 | $24,105 | $15,265 | 15.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.22 | $29,540 | $19,671 | 15.0 years |
| 12 kW | $4.14 | $34,739 | $24,315 | 14.7 years |
| 14 kW | $4.05 | $39,702 | $29,194 | 14.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.97 | $44,428 | $34,310 | 14.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.88 | $48,918 | $39,662 | 13.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.80 | $53,172 | $45,251 | 13.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, including:
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panels, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good 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 service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Exeter, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Exeter?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $21,100 for a 5-kW system and $42,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Exeter 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 long do solar panels last in Exeter?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.