📍 Find Your Exact Savings
We have a specific tool for this. Enter your zip code in our calculator to see a list of utility rebates available in your exact neighborhood.
New Hampshire is one of the sunniest states in the Southeast. The Peach State gets about 4.5 to 5 peak sun hours per day on average. That makes it a great place for solar panels — even without a lot of state-level incentives.
The truth is, New Hampshire's state programs are pretty thin compared to places like California or New York. But the federal tax credit is still huge, and New Hampshire Power has made some progress on solar buy-back. Here is exactly what is on the table for New Hampshire homeowners in 2026.
Why State Incentives Matter Now
Beyond net metering, New Hampshire Power offers a few other programs that can help solar owners and green energy buyers:
- Community Solar: New Hampshire has a community solar program. If your roof cannot handle solar panels, you can subscribe to a shared solar farm near you and get credits on your bill.
- Green Energy Program: New Hampshire Power lets customers choose to pay a small premium to support renewable energy generation.
- Electric Vehicle Programs: New Hampshire Power has made EV charging cheaper. Pair an EV with rooftop solar for maximum savings.
💡 Tip: Contact New Hampshire Power directly or ask your solar installer about all current utility programs. Rates and eligibility change often.
How New Hampshire Net Metering Comparest to Other States
If you have looked into solar in other states, you may hear a lot about net metering. Net metering is when your utility company buys back the extra electricity your panels produce, and gives you a credit on your bill.
In many states, net metering works at a 1:1 ratio. That means for every kilowatt-hour (kWh) you send to the grid, you get a credit for one kWh. New Hampshire is not quite there yet.
New Hampshire's net metering pilot program has limitations:
- The total program capacity is capped — once full, new applicants cannot join.
- Compensation rates may be based on avoided cost rather than retail electricity rates, which means you get paid less per kWh.
- Not all New Hampshire utilities participate in the program.
This is one reason why battery storage is becoming more popular in New Hampshire. If you cannot send excess power back to the grid at a good rate, it makes sense to store that energy in a battery and use it at night instead.
Solar Cost & Payback Period in New Hampshire
💵 Average New Hampshire Solar Costs (2026)
$3.10–$3.70
Cost per watt
$28K–$35K
Before 30% ITC
$19.6K–$24.5K
After federal tax credit
Based on a typical 10 kW residential solar system. Prices vary by installer, roof type, and location.
How Long Until Solar Pays for Itself in New Hampshire?
Most New Hampshire homeowners see a payback period of 9 to 14 years. Here is what drives that timeline:
- System size and cost: Bigger systems cost more but save more. Find the right balance.
- Electricity rates: New Hampshire's average rate is around 12–14 cents per kWh. Higher rates = faster payback.
- Net metering participation: If you are in the New Hampshire Power pilot program, your payback is shorter because you get credit for excess energy.
- Sun exposure: A south-facing roof with no shade will produce way more energy than a shaded or east-facing roof.
Solar panels last 25 to 30 years. So even on the longer end (13 years payback), you still get 12 to 17 years of essentially free electricity after that.
🧮 See Your Real New Hampshire Solar Savings
Get a personalized payback estimate for your home in just 60 seconds.
Get My Free Estimate →Frequently Asked Questions
Does New Hampshire offer a state solar tax credit?
No. As of 2026, New Hampshire does not offer a state-level solar tax credit for residential solar installations. New Hampshire residents can still claim the 30% Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which is one of the biggest solar incentives available — even without any state-level help.
Does New Hampshire have net metering for solar?
New Hampshire has limited net metering compared to many other states. New Hampshire Power operates a net metering pilot program with capacity caps and enrollment limits. Even if you qualify, compensation may be lower than the retail rate. Not all New Hampshire utilities offer net metering. Always ask your installer about your utility's specific policy.
How much does solar cost in New Hampshire?
The average system runs between $2.80 and $3.50 per watt. For a standard 10 kW home system, that is roughly $28,000 to $35,000 before incentives. After the 30% tax credit, your net cost drops to about $19,600 to $24,500.
How long does it take for solar to pay for itself in New Hampshire?
Most New Hampshire homeowners recoup their solar investment in 9 to 14 years. The exact timeframe depends on your roof, system cost, how much sun you get, and whether you are in New Hampshire Power's net metering program.
Are there property tax incentives for solar in New Hampshire?
It depends on your county. New Hampshire has no statewide property tax exemption for solar. Some individual counties offer exemptions on the added home value from solar installations. You should contact your county tax assessor to find out if your specific county offers this benefit.