Summary of New Hampshire solar incentives 2021
New Hampshire got its solar policy on the right track right pretty early. The General Court passed a strong Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) back in 2007. With it came a good statewide rebate program to lower the up-front price of solar. It's now almost a decade and a half later, and the state still has strong rebates and high electricity prices, which are the major reasons solar is a great investment here.
Several times over the last two years, lawmakers passed bills to expand New Hampshire’s net metering rules, which help homeowners further by allowing them to harvest more credit for their solar power they produce but aren’t able to use onsite.
However, governor Chris Sununu has vetoed all of them so far. The RPS here could be strengthened as well. Unless something changes, things will start looking a little dimmer for homeowners looking to install solar here soon. Regardless, for 2021, the state rebate program is strong and there are decent low income solar programs to boot. New Hampshire continues to be a strong place to go solar.
On this page, you can:
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Learn what solar incentives are available to New Hampshire homeowners
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See what New Hampshire solar incentives you qualify for based on your utility company and city
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Find out how much these incentives and/or New Hampshire solar tax credits will reduce your cost to go solar and add batteries
Federal solar investment tax credit
The federal solar investment tax credit will have the biggest impact on the cost you will face to go solar in New Hampshire
This perk is commonly known as the ITC, short for “Investment Tax Credit”. If you install your photovoltaic system in 2020, the federal tax credit is 26% of the cost of your solar panel system. This is 26% off the entire cost of the system including equipment, labor and permitting.
Example: If your solar energy system costs $20,000, your federal solar tax credit would be $20,000 x 26% = $5,200.
The federal tax credit falls to 22% at the end of 2022.
Net energy metering in New Hampshire
With net metering in some states, you get full retail rate credit for the amount of electricity you send back into the grid with your solar panels.
Net Metering requires your utility to monitor how much energy your solar power system produces and how much energy you actually consume, and make sure you get credit for the surplus.
The New Hampshire public utilities commission (PUC) made rules that require all utilities to offer net metering to residential customers. Surplus energy is applied as a credit to your next month’s bill at full retail electric rates, and credits can be carried over indefinitely. In addition, if you’re on a default service plan you can get annual payments for net metering surplus, if the surplus exceeds 600 kilowatt-hours (kWh).
That’s a very strong rule, but there might be changes coming soon. H.B. 1116, enacted in May 2016, raises New Hampshire's net metering aggregate capacity limit from 50 MW to 100 MW. The bill also directs the Public Utilities Commission to initiate a proceeding to develop new alternative net metering tariffs. That could spell trouble, as other formerly solar-friendly states have not proven good at coming up with replacement for net metering.
We recommend going solar as soon as possible to lock in your net metering rates.
New Hampshire solar rebates
The New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (“PUC”) runs a statewide solar power rebate program that offers $200 per kilowatt (kW), up to $1,000 or 30% of project costs, whichever is less. All residential systems are eligible for the rebate, but because the maximum incentive is $1,000, that means a de facto cap of 5-kW for the rebate.
Keep in mind, this incentive has to be applied for and approved before you begin construction, so get your ducks in a row by working with a trusted installer. Use our solar calculator on this page to get started working with one.
Property tax incentive
When you install a solar power system, your home appreciates by twenty times your annual electricity savings. Luckily, New Hampshire allows cities and towns to exempt that increase in home value from all associated property taxes.
More than 80 cities and towns in New Hampshire have adopted a property tax exemption for one or more of these energy sources. Here's a full list of the cities and towns that have adopted a property tax exemption for solar power. Don’t fret the details; expert solar installers we partner with will walk you through all the details.
Cost of solar panels in your part of New Hampshire after all applicable solar incentives
Showing data for:
Prices based on a 8.8kW system, after 26% federal tax credit
Solar prices near you
Payback period
6.3-7.7 years
Net profit (savings less system cost)
$47,791-$58,412
Average size system installed in NH in 2021
8.8kW
Solar panel cost calculator
Best 10 solar companies in New Hampshire
21 solar companies in New Hampshire provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.85 328 Reviews
Latest review
AES customer in South Minneapoli, 1 week ago
The whole process went smoothly and we are very happy with our system. We are thinking of getting electric car & heat exchanger system and adding another system to cover the extra use.
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Latest review
AES customer in South Minneapoli, 1 week ago
The whole process went smoothly and we are very happy with our system. We are thinking of getting electric car & heat exchanger system and adding another system to cover the extra use.
4.81 213 Reviews
Latest review
Art, over 1 month
Installation was conducted back in April 2020 just as the COVID panic was rearing its ugly head. Crew worked efficiently and job was completed in one day. Schedule was mutually agreed on so that failing asphalt roof could replaced with standing seam prior to installation. A real plus was that all permitting and interface with the power company was taken care as was tax related paperwork. They did it all. Now it’s January and I’m enjoying electric heat in my workshop that was actually captured and banked last summer. Professional installation in every respect. Right down to being ready for code enforcement inspection. Highly recommended.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$20,050 ($4.01 per watt)
Latest review
Art, over 1 month
Installation was conducted back in April 2020 just as the COVID panic was rearing its ugly head. Crew worked efficiently and job was completed in one day. Schedule was mutually agreed on so that failing asphalt roof could replaced with standing seam prior to installation. A real plus was that all permitting and interface with the power company was taken care as was tax related paperwork. They did it all. Now it’s January and I’m enjoying electric heat in my workshop that was actually captured and banked last summer. Professional installation in every respect. Right down to being ready for code enforcement inspection. Highly recommended.
4.73 288 Reviews
Latest review
Alexander Gorski, over 1 month
I began my process with New England Clean energy in July of 2020, and was finally approved for electrical use in Feb 2021. The team came in October to do the initial install, which was done without measuring the roof, and could have fit an additional solar panel. After installation we had national grid come and look at the install in November, and the way they connected the meter was wrong. After changing the way the meter was connected national grid came out again to look and there was another problem with the way they had installed the meter again in December. Then in January when national grid came again to review they had incorrectly labeled the meters. They tried to then relabel them and send a review which failed, and needed to send someone out again. Finally in Feb I was fully approved. During the struggle with National Grid New England Clean Energy didn't seem knowledgeable about the issues that were going on and what was causing National Grid not to approve this install. Between the stickers mishap I turned on and the meter to track how much usage I was losing due New England Clean Energy mistakes. I calculated it at 150ish dollars and asked New England Clean Energy to pay me that sum. They agreed to pay that sum, but it's now been two months and they've stopped all communications with me. I wouldn't hire them again nor does it appear they know how to correctly perform an install in RI.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$21,450 ($4.29 per watt)
Latest review
Alexander Gorski, over 1 month
I began my process with New England Clean energy in July of 2020, and was finally approved for electrical use in Feb 2021. The team came in October to do the initial install, which was done without measuring the roof, and could have fit an additional solar panel. After installation we had national grid come and look at the install in November, and the way they connected the meter was wrong. After changing the way the meter was connected national grid came out again to look and there was another problem with the way they had installed the meter again in December. Then in January when national grid came again to review they had incorrectly labeled the meters. They tried to then relabel them and send a review which failed, and needed to send someone out again. Finally in Feb I was fully approved. During the struggle with National Grid New England Clean Energy didn't seem knowledgeable about the issues that were going on and what was causing National Grid not to approve this install. Between the stickers mishap I turned on and the meter to track how much usage I was losing due New England Clean Energy mistakes. I calculated it at 150ish dollars and asked New England Clean Energy to pay me that sum. They agreed to pay that sum, but it's now been two months and they've stopped all communications with me. I wouldn't hire them again nor does it appear they know how to correctly perform an install in RI.
4.66 51 Reviews
Latest review
George Shaker, over 1 month
We did a fairly large residential roof mounted solar array (placed on our barn). Our experience was top notch from beginning to end. Andy Spiegel was my first contact. It was clear he was extremely knowledgeable and spent a lot of time discussing the pluses and minuses of different approaches. He also carefully assessed the structure of the barn to ensure structural integrity. We then worked with Zach, who was the project manager for our project. He came to assess the best way to get get the solar power from the barn to our home, about 80 feet away. He was meticulous in his approach and answered all of my questions thoroughly. The actual project took 2 days, involving trenching and instillation of the array. The installation team was very attentive not only to the mechanical aspects of the installation, but also made fine adjustments to the physical positioning of the panels to make sure that the array would look good from afar, given that our old (but very well built) barn was certainly not completely "straight". They were extremely meticulous, asking me also to look at the array for my input. Zach came back again within a few days after installation, having arrange for the required town electrical inspection. All was good to go. In summary, Granite State Solar was extremely professional from beginning to end. Definitely an A+. George Shaker
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Latest review
George Shaker, over 1 month
We did a fairly large residential roof mounted solar array (placed on our barn). Our experience was top notch from beginning to end. Andy Spiegel was my first contact. It was clear he was extremely knowledgeable and spent a lot of time discussing the pluses and minuses of different approaches. He also carefully assessed the structure of the barn to ensure structural integrity. We then worked with Zach, who was the project manager for our project. He came to assess the best way to get get the solar power from the barn to our home, about 80 feet away. He was meticulous in his approach and answered all of my questions thoroughly. The actual project took 2 days, involving trenching and instillation of the array. The installation team was very attentive not only to the mechanical aspects of the installation, but also made fine adjustments to the physical positioning of the panels to make sure that the array would look good from afar, given that our old (but very well built) barn was certainly not completely "straight". They were extremely meticulous, asking me also to look at the array for my input. Zach came back again within a few days after installation, having arrange for the required town electrical inspection. All was good to go. In summary, Granite State Solar was extremely professional from beginning to end. Definitely an A+. George Shaker
4.50 15 Reviews
Latest review
Rachel F, over 1 month
603 Solar was an amazing company to work with. They were personable, knowledgable and willing to answer the many questions that I had throughout the whole process. We are extremely happy with our panels and would recommend 603 Solar to anyone interested in taking the solar plunge!
Read more
Latest review
Rachel F, over 1 month
603 Solar was an amazing company to work with. They were personable, knowledgable and willing to answer the many questions that I had throughout the whole process. We are extremely happy with our panels and would recommend 603 Solar to anyone interested in taking the solar plunge!
4.25 6 Reviews
Latest review
Sue Fitzgerald, over 1 month
Dave and his son are wonderful to work with. I would highly recommend them to others.<br />
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Latest review
Sue Fitzgerald, over 1 month
Dave and his son are wonderful to work with. I would highly recommend them to others.<br />
4.25 7 Reviews
Latest review
Julia Leech, over 1 month
Afif was great in his presentation of NuWatt Energy's incredible solar panels and top-notch installation team. He also helped us by showing us options with no pressure!! It would be nice if all solar companies worked like NuWatt Energy. They have our vote as an honest company promoting better products and services.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$19,850 ($3.97 per watt)
Latest review
Julia Leech, over 1 month
Afif was great in his presentation of NuWatt Energy's incredible solar panels and top-notch installation team. He also helped us by showing us options with no pressure!! It would be nice if all solar companies worked like NuWatt Energy. They have our vote as an honest company promoting better products and services.
4.25 5 Reviews
Latest review
Rose & Tom Dennis, 6 days ago
Sunergy was very communicative, professional, knowledgeable and we're very happy with our new solar system.
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Latest review
Rose & Tom Dennis, 6 days ago
Sunergy was very communicative, professional, knowledgeable and we're very happy with our new solar system.
4.22 13 Reviews
Latest review
Ron Hampton, over 1 month
Salesman was very through and responsive. Installation went very smoothly and quickly. Final installation of the control box by Nick was excellent. Since I am very inquisitive, Nick was very polite and explained how the whole system interacted with my pool pump.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$20,300 ($4.06 per watt)
Latest review
Ron Hampton, over 1 month
Salesman was very through and responsive. Installation went very smoothly and quickly. Final installation of the control box by Nick was excellent. Since I am very inquisitive, Nick was very polite and explained how the whole system interacted with my pool pump.
4.17 4 Reviews
Latest review
SunIsGood, over 1 month
Peter and Vlad have been great to deal with. They are both very knowledgeable and true professionals in their field. We had recently purchase a home with an existing system and they helped us in making sure the system was working correctly and spent a lot of time going over and making sure that I understood how everything worked. It's refreshing to see that they have a true passion and would highly recommend them for any of your solar needs.
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Latest review
SunIsGood, over 1 month
Peter and Vlad have been great to deal with. They are both very knowledgeable and true professionals in their field. We had recently purchase a home with an existing system and they helped us in making sure the system was working correctly and spent a lot of time going over and making sure that I understood how everything worked. It's refreshing to see that they have a true passion and would highly recommend them for any of your solar needs.
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