7 Best Solar Companies in New Hampshire

The Main Types of Residential Solar Systems

As you discuss options with your professional to design a solar solution, you'll choose from the three fundamental panel types available. Each type is best for different budgets and roof styles, but they all use the same reliable technology to power your home.

Monocrystalline

In the warm summers of New Hampshire, you'll get the best results from monocrystalline panels. Each black-hued cell has only one silicon crystal, meaning you can generate more energy with a small array. While they cost more in the beginning due to their more intricate manufacturing process, their efficiency means you'll save more money over the longer term.

Polycrystalline

Polycrystalline solar panels have brown cells made of multiple silicon fragments. Aside from their lower average price, they have a less wasteful manufacturing process.

However, they take up more space than monocrystalline panels, so you'll need more space on your roof for a high-capacity array.

Thin-film

Thin-film arrays are a good choice for value in more "partly sunny" areas of New Hampshire. They keep their efficiency as temperatures fluctuate and work with many different roof shapes. Thin-film solar panels use a variety of metal alloys instead of silicon crystals. Some homeowners choose them for their light weight or greater compatibility with unique roof shapes. Others pick them for their greater heat resistance and low-light performance.

However, they take up more space than monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels, and you might have better-performing options if your property has high solar potential.

Solar Purchase Options

New Hampshire's available solar purchasing and financing tools have granted more homeowners access to clean energy than in the past. Your installer might go over the following options with you:

• Solar leases: If you choose a solar lease, you could pay as little as $0 down, then a variable amount per month based on how much energy the panels produce. Many leases, but not all, will automatically cover required maintenance to maximize efficiency. A lessee could also receive compensation for months when their panels don't meet a predicted efficiency benchmark. However, they do not qualify for state or tax incentives and won't increase your property values. If you sell your house, the panel provider will remove the panels unless the buyer wants to continue with the lease.
• Power purchase agreements (PPAs): With a power purchase agreement, your contractor will sell you the power your solar system generates for the length of the contract duration. In exchange, they'll pay for the cost of the system. However, PPAs are long-term commitments, with some lasting up to 25 years. You might be subject to penalty fees if you move out of your house or get out of the contract.
• Solar financing: If you would prefer to get the fastest ROI, get some tax breaks, and capitalize on local incentives, consider a solar loan. New lenders specializing home energy projects have emerged in the banking sector, and you could get rid of a down payment or interest with a good lender. Keep in mind that the specific terms of a solar loan will often hinge on on your credit score.

Besides the price of the panels, your bill will also include the cost of your contractor's labor and preliminary work done by other contractors. An application fee may be required if you want to participate in net metering.

Residential Solar Incentives and Cost Support

Utility companies and state governments reward solar panel installation through a variety of different programs, such as:

• Tax credits: Depending on where you live, your local authorities may offer income tax credits or even property tax exemptions on new solar panels. The federal government further has a 30% tax credit on "residential clean energy" equipment, which you can apply for by filing Form 5695 for the year when you install the panels.
• Rebates: Rebates are direct incentives from power companies or manufacturers. The application process for a rebate will vary from program to program, but generally, your company will have to submit plans or receipts and prove that they're certified to work on your project. Sometimes, the contractor will receive the payment and give you a discount on their work. Other times, you'll get the money as a direct payment or a credit on your power bill.
• Net metering: Many homeowners have solar panels that output more electricity than their property needs. If you're enrolled in a net metering program, you'll send power you don't use back to the grid in exchange for credits on your energy bill. This saves you money and bolsters the security of the power grid for others in your neighborhood.
• Net billing: There's a national trend toward more utilities retiring net metering in favor of net billing schemes. Fundamentally speaking, both systems work the same. However, with net billing, you sell the electricity to your utility company instead of receiving credits for your excess solar generation. Compensation will usually be at a wholesale or avoided-cost rate, which is lower than retail.

Solar Energy By the Numbers in New Hampshire

Solar energy continues to grow throughout New Hampshire, and with the right professional team, it's easy to adopt it for your home. Take a look at some of these impressive state statistics:

• Solar energy has enabled the creation of 1,031 jobs in New Hampshire, with more added as companies grow and technology continues to improve.
• A five-kilowatt solar energy system in New Hampshire has an average payback period of 11.0 years. That said, you would also save $1,032.37 on your energy bill.
• New Hampshire generates 68 MW of residential solar energy, powering 31,273 homes and counting.
• Without solar, the average family spends about $2,322 per year on their electricity bill.
• In New Hampshire, the average new home solar array is rated for up to 10.6 kW and costs $30,001.

Useful Resources

Want to learn more about solar energy in your area? Take a look at these pages and resources:

• DSIRE: DSIRE has lots of information on the newest local and statewide solar incentives. Search by your location, utility company, and the type of solar system you're installing.
• PVWatts: PVWatts is a handy online tool that lets you virtually experiment with different solar arrangements on your property. You can get high-quality predictions of how much energy your panels could yield and determine which positions would give you the greatest ROI.
• Best solar companies by city: If you're looking for tailored solar company recommendations in your area, Today's Homeowner has just what you need. We can recommend you the best companies in cities like MANCHESTER,NH, NASHUA,NH, CONCORD,NH, DERRY,NH and DOVER,NH.