Solar Panel Cost Guide in Pittsfield, NH (2024 Update)
- Pittsfield Solar Installation Cost: $14,710
- 25-Year Savings: $15,151
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Pittsfield
See how much it might cost to go solar in Pittsfield.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Pittsfield it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Pittsfield is around 5.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,710 for a solar installation, or $21,035 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 solar panels you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $19,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Pittsfield find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Pittsfield that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Pittsfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,303 |
| 3 years | $-10,489 |
| 5 years | $-7,676 |
| 7 years | $-4,862 |
| 9 years | $-2,048 |
| 11 years | $765 |
| 13 years | $3,579 |
| 15 years | $6,392 |
| 17 years | $9,206 |
| 19 years | $12,020 |
| 21 years | $14,833 |
| 23 years | $17,647 |
| 25 years | $20,461 |
Top Solar Installers in Pittsfield
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Pittsfield:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Pittsfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Pittsfield
There are a number of factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Pittsfield, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Pittsfield homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Pittsfield 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $12,045 | 15.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.30 | $24,105 | $16,533 | 14.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.22 | $29,540 | $21,256 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $4.14 | $34,739 | $26,217 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $4.05 | $39,702 | $31,413 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.97 | $44,428 | $36,846 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.88 | $48,918 | $42,515 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.80 | $53,172 | $48,421 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Pittsfield, NH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Pittsfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Pittsfield 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 type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Pittsfield, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Pittsfield?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.