Solar Panels in New Hampshire: 2026 Cost, Savings & Incentives
Solar in New Hampshire (2026): a typical 8 kW system costs ~$24,000 with no federal credit, saves ~$2,344/yr and pays back in ~10.2 years.
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New Hampshire solar decision guides
Data hub — jump to in-depth sizing, bill-based, or policy guides. This page stays focused on rates & incentives.
How much does solar cost and save in New Hampshire in 2026?
A typical 8 kW system (20 × 400 W panels) costs about $24,000 installed and produces roughly 10,056 kWh/year at 4.2 peak sun hours. At 26.79¢/kWh with full retail net metering, that is worth about $2,344 in the first year — a ~10.2-year simple payback with no federal tax credit.
| Item | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Installed cost at $3.00/W | $24,000 |
| Federal tax credit (§25D ended 12/31/2025) | $0 |
| Annual production | 10,056 kWh |
| Value of production counted (87% — net-metering adjusted) | $2,344/yr |
| Simple payback | ~10.2 years |
| 25-year net savings (3%/yr rate rise, 0.5%/yr degradation) | $55,900 |
Estimates before state or utility incentives. Installed prices for the same system often differ 20–30% between installers — get at least three quotes. Methodology
Does New Hampshire have net metering?
Full retail net metering. New Hampshire's net metering credits most of the retail rate for small residential systems.
Full retail net metering means excess daytime production offsets evening usage at close to your retail rate — the most favorable setup for rooftop solar. Confirm annual true-up and any caps with your utility.
What solar incentives are available in New Hampshire?
Federal: no credit for 2026 installs
The 30% Residential Clean Energy Credit (§25D) ended for systems installed after December 31, 2025 under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Public Law 119-21). Systems finished in 2025 are claimed on the 2025 return, and unused credit from earlier years can still carry forward. Leases and PPAs are the exception: the company that owns the system can still use the commercial §48E credit for systems placed in service by the end of 2027 and may pass some of that value to you. IRS guidance
New Hampshire state and local programs
New Hampshire's residential renewable rebate pays $0.20 per watt up to $1,000 when funding is available, and some towns offer property-tax exemptions.
Program details change often — verify on DSIRE and with your utility. Policy checked September 29, 2026.
Is solar worth it in New Hampshire in 2026?
Often, yes: a ~10.2-year payback leaves more than a decade of savings after break-even, especially if you use most of your power in daylight.
Run your own numbers with the solar savings calculator — enter your real bill and a real quote.
Frequently asked questions
Direct answers for US homeowners in New Hampshire.