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
22 solar companies in New Hampshire provide pricing on SolarReviews. Here are the best rated companies near you.
4.87 354 Reviews
Latest review
Joanne Handibode , 1 week ago
We got the OK to turn our panels on today and we could not be happier with the entire experience with All Energy. Carlo has been with us since the beginning. He was always available, proactive knowledgeable and helpful. Alfie, the electricians and the install crews that came to to the house were phenomenal. They were quiet, kept a clean site and were there when they said they'd be. They were fair and honest, and respectful. I will be contunue to highly recommend them in the future.
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Latest review
Joanne Handibode , 1 week ago
We got the OK to turn our panels on today and we could not be happier with the entire experience with All Energy. Carlo has been with us since the beginning. He was always available, proactive knowledgeable and helpful. Alfie, the electricians and the install crews that came to to the house were phenomenal. They were quiet, kept a clean site and were there when they said they'd be. They were fair and honest, and respectful. I will be contunue to highly recommend them in the future.
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.
Read more
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.
4.73 289 Reviews
Latest review
Kamlesh Khushalani, over 1 month
I spoke with Mark regarding my solar project at home and he was able to explain the system and how it will meet my current demand. He explained upfront costs and options. The master electrician Mike Richards was very professional and installed the system after consulation with me for the best location for the wiring. I would recommend it to others for your solar panel needs. Thanks.
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Average cost (5kW system)
$21,450 ($4.29 per watt)
Latest review
Kamlesh Khushalani, over 1 month
I spoke with Mark regarding my solar project at home and he was able to explain the system and how it will meet my current demand. He explained upfront costs and options. The master electrician Mike Richards was very professional and installed the system after consulation with me for the best location for the wiring. I would recommend it to others for your solar panel needs. Thanks.
4.67 52 Reviews
Latest review
Salisbury 12.46 kW ground array, over 1 month
We wanted to sign up with a local solar company and GSS didn’t disappoint! From sales to support to technical, everyone at GSS was helpful and impressed us with their professionalism and prompt support - and actually completed the install ahead of their estimated date! Our system is running flawlessly!
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Latest review
Salisbury 12.46 kW ground array, over 1 month
We wanted to sign up with a local solar company and GSS didn’t disappoint! From sales to support to technical, everyone at GSS was helpful and impressed us with their professionalism and prompt support - and actually completed the install ahead of their estimated date! Our system is running flawlessly!
4.58 13 Reviews
Latest review
Tom pyer, 3 weeks ago
I've was looking for a solar company for a about 10 years. I was finally convinced by Rob from Sunergy , with a nice design that would make more than I use. And he delivered. The team that installed it did a very professional job, despite being in the 90's . Now I am very proud of producing all clean electric power. Nice job Sunergy.
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Latest review
Tom pyer, 3 weeks ago
I've was looking for a solar company for a about 10 years. I was finally convinced by Rob from Sunergy , with a nice design that would make more than I use. And he delivered. The team that installed it did a very professional job, despite being in the 90's . Now I am very proud of producing all clean electric power. Nice job Sunergy.
4.56 18 Reviews
Latest review
Dana, 4 days ago
Had 603 install 36 panel ground mount solar system summer 2021. The price was very competitive and the representative friendly and knowledgeable. The installer is subcontracted but works almost solely for 603. The work was done efficiently without any mess. I would definitely recommend that you talk with them if you are considering solar.
Read more
Latest review
Dana, 4 days ago
Had 603 install 36 panel ground mount solar system summer 2021. The price was very competitive and the representative friendly and knowledgeable. The installer is subcontracted but works almost solely for 603. The work was done efficiently without any mess. I would definitely recommend that you talk with them if you are considering solar.
4.28 14 Reviews
Latest review
Steve, over 1 month
We had a great experience with Solar Source for our home solar project. The project was completed to the specifications in a very timely manner. Their installation crew was extremely professional and the completed system production is what was projected. We now recommend Solar Source to all of our friends and neighbors.
Read more
Average cost (5kW system)
$20,300 ($4.06 per watt)
Latest review
Steve, over 1 month
We had a great experience with Solar Source for our home solar project. The project was completed to the specifications in a very timely manner. Their installation crew was extremely professional and the completed system production is what was projected. We now recommend Solar Source to all of our friends and neighbors.
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.
Read more
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.
4.17 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.
Read more
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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