New Hampshire has high electricity rates ($0.22–$0.30/kWh) and full retail net metering. Most NH homeowners achieve payback in 7–10 years. Use our calculator with Eversource and Unitil rates.
Enter your details below. The calculator uses Eversource/Unitil rates and New Hampshire-specific solar data.
Enter your details and click "Calculate" to see your estimated payback period, 25-year savings, and whether solar makes sense at New Hampshire's electricity rates.
New Hampshire has among the 20 highest electricity rates in the U.S. With Eversource and Unitil residential rates around $0.22–$0.30/kWh, a typical New Hampshire household paying $165/month can save $80–$130/month with solar.
Monthly bill before solar (2025): $172/month (Eversource Rate R, ~580 kWh/month usage)
System installed (fall 2025): 7.2 kW DC, 20 × 360W panels, microinverters
Installed cost: $20,520 before incentives ($2.85/W)
After 30% federal tax credit: $14,364 net cost
Results (first 12 months):
New Hampshire has among the highest electricity rates in the contiguous U.S. (only Hawaii and parts of New England/Northeast are higher). At $0.22–$0.30/kWh, a typical New Hampshire household paying $165/month can save $80–$130/month with solar.
The high rates are driven by several factors:
The good news: high electricity rates make solar payback faster. While a New Hampshire solar system costs more to install ($2.60–$3.40/W vs. $2.40–$3.10/W nationally), the higher electricity savings offset the cost premium. Most New Hampshire homeowners achieve payback in 7–10 years — comparable to California and better than most Midwest/Mountain West states.
New Hampshire's solar installation costs are slightly above the national average due to higher labor costs in New England:
After the 30% federal tax credit, a typical 7 kW system costs $14,000–$19,000 out of pocket. Given New Hampshire's high electricity rates, the payback period is 7–10 years for most homeowners.
| Utility | Service Area | Avg. Rate (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Eversource | Most of NH (Concord, Manchester, Nashua) | $0.24–$0.30/kWh |
| Unitil | Seacoast & central NH (~15% of state) | $0.22–$0.28/kWh |
New Hampshire's solar installation costs are slightly above the national average due to higher labor costs in New England:
After the 30% federal tax credit, a typical 7 kW system costs $12,700–$16,300 net.
New Hampshire's solar market is poised for steady growth over the next 5 years, driven by:
As of 2026, an estimated 8–12% of New Hampshire households have installed solar panels. This is below the national leader (California, ~40%) but growing rapidly. Industry forecasts suggest NH could reach 20–25% solar adoption by 2030 if current growth trends continue.
The average cost of a residential solar system in New Hampshire is $15,000-$25,000 before incentives (for a 6-10 kW system). After the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), the net cost drops to roughly $10,500-$17,500. Actual costs vary based on roof complexity, panel brand, installer choice, and local permitting fees. New Hampshire homeowners should get at least 3 quotes to compare pricing.
All U.S. homeowners qualify for the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) through 2032. This credit reduces your federal taxes by 30% of your total system cost. In addition to the federal ITC, some states offer additional rebates, property tax exemptions, or sales tax exemptions on solar equipment. Check with your local utility and the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency (DSIRE) for New Hampshire-specific programs.
The typical solar payback period in New Hampshire ranges from 7 to 12 years, depending on your electricity rate, system size, available incentives, and financing terms. After the payback period, your solar panels essentially produce free electricity for the remaining 15+ years of their 25-30 year lifespan. Higher electricity rates and strong sun exposure lead to faster payback periods.
Yes. According to a study by Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory (LBNL), homes with solar systems sell for an average of $15,000-$25,000 more than comparable homes without solar. The exact premium depends on your location, system size, and age. Many states including New Hampshire offer property tax exemptions for the added value from solar, so you won't pay higher taxes even though your home is worth more.
Solar works best on south-facing roofs with minimal shading, but east-west orientations can still produce 80-90% of optimal output. Key factors include: roof condition (should have 15+ years of life left), tilt angle (30-45 degrees ideal), and shading from trees or nearby buildings. A reputable installer will perform a free site assessment using satellite imagery to estimate your production potential before you commit to anything.