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

  • Stratham Solar Installation Cost: $14,236
  • 25-Year Savings: $13,900
  • Payback Period: 15.0 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 Stratham

Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Stratham.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Stratham, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.8-kW system would cost about $14,236 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Stratham

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 Stratham

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Stratham:

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 Stratham

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Stratham

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Stratham is $14,236, your final cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Stratham average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Stratham, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence the cost. Stratham’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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

There are a lot of companies available in Stratham, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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 Stratham, NH Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Stratham?

The average cost of solar panels in Stratham 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 such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Are solar panels free in Stratham?

A solar panel system isn’t free in Stratham, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

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

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

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 larger 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.

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