2026 · No Federal Tax Credit · NREL + EIA Data
Solar Panels in New Hampshire: Cost, Payback & ROI (2026)
Is solar still worth it in New Hampshire after the 30% federal tax credit expired? These pre-computed estimates use NREL PVWatts production data and current 27.5¢/kWh New Hampshire electricity rates for a typical home using 900 kWh/month.
Section 25D (30% federal solar tax credit) expired December 31, 2025
All numbers below reflect 2026 math with no federal residential credit. State incentives, where applicable, are noted in the section below.
New Hampshire Solar at a Glance
Based on a 900 kWh/month home ($248/mo electric bill at 27.5¢/kWh), 100% offset, no state rebate applied.
9.0 kW
For 900 kWh/month home
$26,550
At $2.95/W (LBNL 2024 avg)
8.3 years
Without state rebate
$2,970
Estimated annual savings
$94,978
Cumulative before rebate
$68,428
Savings minus system cost
27.5¢/kWh
very high vs. 16.0¢ U.S. avg · EIA 2025
1,200 kWh/kW/yr
limited · 3.7 peak sun hrs/day · NREL PVWatts
Is Solar Worth It in New Hampshire in 2026?
New Hampshire's 27.5¢/kWh average electricity rate is the third-highest in the lower 48, which makes solar financially compelling even with the state's modest solar resource. Net metering at retail rates is available for most residential customers. The state lacks a broad rebate program, so homeowners rely primarily on net metering savings and utility-specific incentives.
For a typical New Hampshire home consuming 900 kWh per month, our calculation shows a 9.0 kW system needed for 100% offset. At the current national average installed cost of $2.95/W (LBNL Tracking the Sun 2024), that's $26,550 gross before any state rebates. Year-one savings of $2,970 grow each year as electricity rates escalate — the model assumes 2.5%/year (EIA AEO 2024).
The 8.3 years payback period is solid — at or below the national average of 8–12 years. Over 25 years — the standard warranty period for most premium panels — a New Hampshire homeowner following this profile would save an estimated $94,978 total, for a net benefit of $68,428 after recovering the system cost.
Year-by-Year Savings Snapshot: First 10 Years
Based on 9.0 kW system, 0.5%/yr degradation, 2.5%/yr rate escalation, no state rebate.
| Year | Production (kWh) | Annual Savings | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 10,800 | $2,970 | $2,970 |
| Year 2 | 10,746 | $3,029 | $5,999 |
| Year 3 | 10,692 | $3,089 | $9,088 |
| Year 4 | 10,639 | $3,151 | $12,239 |
| Year 5 | 10,586 | $3,213 | $15,452 |
| Year 6 | 10,533 | $3,277 | $18,729 |
| Year 7 | 10,480 | $3,342 | $22,071 |
| Year 8 | 10,428 | $3,409 | $25,480 |
| Year 9✓ Paid off | 10,375 | $3,476 | $28,957 |
| Year 10 | 10,324 | $3,546 | $32,502 |
System cost to recover: $26,550. Table shows savings without state rebate applied. Use the interactive calculator to enter your actual bill and any rebate.
Solar Incentives in New Hampshire (2026)
New Hampshire's main solar incentive is retail-rate net metering under RSA 362-A:9. The state exempts solar installations from property taxes for 5 years.
- Retail-rate net metering (RSA 362-A:9)
- 5-year property tax exemption on solar
- Low-interest Clean Energy Fund loans
Incentive programs change frequently. Verify current offerings at dsireusa.org or directly with your utility before making any purchasing decision.
How We Calculate New Hampshire Solar ROI
These estimates use the same methodology as our interactive solar ROI calculator, applied to New Hampshire-specific data:
System cost
$2.95/W installed
LBNL Tracking the Sun 2024
Solar production
1,200 kWh/kW/yr
NREL PVWatts v8
Electricity rate
27.5¢/kWh
EIA Residential Rates 2025
Rate escalation
2.5%/year
EIA Annual Energy Outlook 2024
Panel degradation
0.5%/year
NREL (Jordan & Kurtz, median)
System lifetime
25 years
Standard warranty period
No Section 25D (federal residential solar credit) is included — it expired December 31, 2025. State incentives are not reflected in these pre-computed figures; use the interactive calculator to enter specific rebate amounts.
Calculate With Your Actual Numbers
The figures above use statewide averages. Enter your actual monthly bill, any New Hampshire rebate amounts, and your offset target in our interactive calculator for a personalized estimate.
Frequently Asked Questions — Solar in New Hampshire
Compare Other States
Estimates are based on NREL PVWatts v8 production data, EIA 2025 electricity rates, and LBNL 2024 installed cost benchmarks. Actual savings vary by roof pitch, shading, utility rate structure, and local permit costs. This is not financial advice. Consult a licensed solar installer before making any purchasing decision.