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

  • Gilford Solar Installation Cost: $14,614
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,723
  • Payback Period: 13.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Gilford

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Gilford.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gilford it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.9-kW system would cost about $14,614 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Gilford for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Gilford

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-13,207
3 years $-10,393
5 years $-7,580
7 years $-4,766
9 years $-1,952
11 years $861
13 years $3,675
15 years $6,488
17 years $9,302
19 years $12,116
21 years $14,929
23 years $17,743
25 years $20,557

Top Solar Installers in Gilford

Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. Another great thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:

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 Gilford

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gilford

There are several factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,220.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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’s in your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Gilford, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Gilford’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

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 $14,070 14.2 years
8 kW $4.30 $24,105 $19,233 13.9 years
10 kW $4.22 $29,540 $24,632 13.6 years
12 kW $4.14 $34,739 $30,268 13.4 years
14 kW $4.05 $39,702 $36,139 13.1 years
16 kW $3.97 $44,428 $42,248 12.8 years
18 kW $3.88 $48,918 $48,592 12.5 years
20 kW $3.80 $53,172 $55,173 12.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before making your decision.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
  • Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.

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 Gilford, NH Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Gilford?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Gilford. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Gilford?

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 give you credit toward your future electricity bills.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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.

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