The top solar installers in New Hampshire are SunPower, Sunrun and Venture Solar.
Updated:
Apr 16, 2024
Written by
Aniket Bhor
Aniket Bhor
Edited By
Tori Addison
Tori Addison
New Hampshire’s snowy climate and limited solar policies have slowed its growth of solar — the state ranks 41st in the nation for installed solar capacity. However, residents can still enjoy numerous benefits by installing solar power with the best solar companies in New Hampshire, including Venture, SunPower, Sunrun and Trinity Solar.
We at the MarketWatch Guides Team selected the best solar providers based on in-depth market research, detailed consumer surveys and discussions with industry experts. Read on to learn about our top picks for New Hampshire residents looking to go solar.
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What To Look For in a Solar Company
Solar power is a major home upgrade in terms of initial expense and potential savings over time. Below are a few factors to consider when deciding on a solar installer.
For many homeowners, the cost is one of the most decisive factors when choosing a contractor. Despite the substantial energy savings solar panels can offer, a system can cost between $15,000 to $20,000 or more — and a difference of even a few hundred dollars can feel significant. But the cheapest system may not be the most reliable. Try to strike a balance between cost, features and warranties. You can also choose an installer with multiple payment options, such as solar loans, leases or power purchase agreements (PPAs).
Most solar panel systems have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years, and high-quality installations with robust warranties can ensure your panels perform over that time. However, sloppy installations can lead to poor performance and the need for regular maintenance. This makes trustworthiness another important factor to consider when comparing installers. A reliable installer should have a skilled and experienced installation team and respond swiftly to warranty or maintenance requirements. You can check the trustworthiness of solar companies by checking Better Business Bureau (BBB) ratings and reading existing customer reviews.
When it comes to energy efficiency, solar panels can be just one part of the equation. Your home may also benefit from insulation, lighting or air conditioning upgrades. Some homes may need a new electrical panel or roof before installing solar panels. Many solar companies offer multiple services to make it easier for customers to get everything in one place. It is a good idea to list the services your home may require before contacting installers.
Top 4 Solar Companies in New Hampshire of 2024
- Venture: Our pick for simple installation
- SunPower: Our pick for most experienced
- Sunrun: Our pick for leasing options
- Trinity Solar: Our pick for simple installation
Venture
Our pick for aesthetic panels
Warranty 25 years
System Cost N/A
SunPower
Our pick for most experience
Warranty 25 years
System Cost $24,000–$36,000
Sunrun Solar
Our pick for leasing options
Warranty 12 and 30 years
System Cost $20,000–$25,000
Trinity
Our pick for simple installation
Warranty 5 and 25 years
System Cost $20,000–$25,000
Our Recommendation
New Hampshire has 61 solar companies, which may not seem like a lot compared to other states, but choosing the right installer can still seem difficult. Homeowners looking for reputable companies with longstanding experience can go with Sunrun or SunPower. Homeowners seeking a simple, reliable process with a local installer may prefer Venture Solar.
Other notable solar companies in New Hampshire include ReVision Energy, Granite State Solar and AllEnergy Solar. Ultimately, the best solar company for you will depend on your location, energy needs and budget. When making the final decision, we recommend requesting free quotes from multiple installers to compare your options.
Benefits of Going Solar in New Hampshire
Solar energy can be beneficial whether you live in Concord, Nashua, Manchester or another part of New Hampshire. Here’s why:
- Utility bill savings: The main advantage of installing solar panels is replacing your grid power consumption with electricity generated by sunlight, which is free. Depending on your roof size and energy needs, solar power systems can reduce your monthly electricity bills by offsetting up to 100% of your grid power usage. New Hampshire residents pay over 31 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) for electricity — twice the national average. So New Hampshirites can save significantly more money by generating their own electricity using solar panels.
- Environmental impact: Going solar not only helps your wallet, but also the environment. Unlike fossil power, solar panels generate power from a non-polluting, clean energy source (the sun). Each kilowatt-hour of solar power helps offset carbon emissions generated using grid power. A solar power system can offset thousands of pounds of carbon emissions over its lifetime, lowering your carbon footprint.
- Protection against rising power costs: Between March 2022 and March 2023, New Hampshire’s average electricity cost jumped from 22.98 cents per kWh to 30.30 cents per kWh — a nearly 7% increase. Due to this, homeowners without solar panels saw a massive, 30% jump in their power bills. However, for homes with solar panels, the impact of this rise was much lower. Electricity rates constantly increase over time and depend on global factors such as pandemics, wars and supply chain issues. New Hampshire residents can protect themselves from power price increases for many decades by installing solar panels.
- Security against blackouts: On average, New Hampshire experiences a thunderstorm and lighting hazard every 12.5 days between October and March. The state also sees a winter storm every 20.5 days, on average. These weather events can cause power outages, leaving homeowners in the dark and cold for hours or sometimes days. Residents with a solar system and backup battery can keep their essential appliances running through a multi-day blackout, which adds resilience to their homes.
- Increased home value: Thanks to the benefits of solar panels, multiple studies suggest that homes with a solar array sell for more than comparable homes without solar. A study by Zillow showed that homes with solar panels sold for 4% more on average. This number is even higher in some areas, potentially offsetting the cost of a rooftop solar power system. In short, property owners can also benefit from solar panels when they sell their homes.
New Hampshire Solar Incentives
New Hampshire does not have a large number of solar rebates and incentives compared to some other states, like Massachusetts or New York. However, residents of the Granite State can still save thousands by claiming the federal solar tax credit.
There are two main state incentives available in New Hampshire. Utility companies like Eversource and Unitil do not currently offer rebate programs but have in the past. Below is an overview of the available incentives in New Hampshire.
Federal Incentives
The federal solar tax credit is one of the most important solar incentives available to New Hampshire residents. While not a direct rebate, the solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows U.S. residents to deduct up to 30% of their solar system cost from their income tax burden. You can claim the credit once for the year you install a solar system. The net effect of the incentive results in a 30% reduction in your total cost of the system, leading to a faster payback period and greater savings over time.
Statewide Incentives
New Hampshire offers two main solar incentives, including:
| Incentive | Savings | Explanation |
| Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy and Electrical Energy Storage | Savings vary by municipality | New Hampshire allows cities and towns to offer an exemption from local property tax increases after installing a solar energy system and other renewable technologies. |
| Net metering | Savings vary | Allows solar panel owners to earn credits for excess solar generation, which you can use to purchase grid power. Programs and credit rates may vary by the utility provider. |
Frequently Asked Questions About Solar Companies in New Hampshire
As of January 2024, electricity costs 25.07 cents per kWh in New Hampshire, almost double the average cost of 15.45 cents per kWh. The state’s high electricity prices make going solar worth it. Homeowners who install a solar power system in New Hampshire can save thousands of dollars in electricity costs over its 25- to 30-year lifespan. Plus, you can help offset carbon emissions by producing clean energy.
The Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) currently lists 61 solar companies in New Hampshire. Most of the companies have several offices in the New England area but serve throughout New Hampshire. Of the companies, our top picks for solar providers are Sunru, Venture Solar and SunPower.
An average 6 kW system in New Hampshire costs $3.07 per watt or $18,390. That price drops to $12,873 when you consider the federal solar tax credit. However, solar panel costs vary based on your location, system complexity and size, home energy needs and more.
A typical house in New Hampshire requires a solar power system between 5 kW and 10 kW. The exact size of your solar power system will depend on factors such as the number of appliances in your home, your daily energy consumption and your roof layout.
