Solar Panel Cost Guide in Merrimack, NH (2024 Update)
- 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 Merrimack
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Merrimack.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Merrimack generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 5.0-kW system would cost about $14,627 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Merrimack depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the large initial cost, the average Merrimack homeowner can save around $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Merrimack for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in 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 Merrimack
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be hard. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Merrimack
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Merrimack
For many Merrimack homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Merrimack, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation require 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 kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Merrimack to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. Merrimack’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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
The solar panel company you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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 Merrimack, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Merrimack?
The average cost of solar panels in 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Merrimack?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Merrimack. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Merrimack have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.