Solar Panel Cost Guide in Northwood, NH (2024 Update)
- Northwood 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 Northwood
Here’s how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Northwood.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Northwood, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 4.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Northwood, the average price of going solar will be about $14,236 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Northwood homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Northwood can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Northwood
| 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 Northwood
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations 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 Northwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Northwood
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Northwood: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Northwood, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,220 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install 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
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Northwood homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Northwood homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Northwood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing 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 Northwood, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Northwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Northwood 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.