Solar savings & payback in New Hampshire
New Hampshire runs about 24¢/kWh with net billing (reduced export rate). Enter your bill for a payback estimate tuned to local rates and sun, no federal tax credit assumed (it expired at the end of 2025).
- Avg electricity rate
- 24¢/kWh
- Solar generation
- ~3.8 kWh/kW/day
- Net metering
- Net billing (reduced export rate)
- Export credit
- ~75% of retail
State incentive: NH's current net metering terms are locked in for the long term once you enroll.
Where your money goes
Your 25-year money curve
What the planet gets
Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.
Enter a valid monthly bill and tariff greater than zero to see your results.
How New Hampshire compares to the US average
Three numbers decide most of your payback. Here's where New Hampshire sits against the national picture.
Electricity rate
24¢/kWh
US average: 17¢/kWh
Higher rates make every solar kWh worth more
Solar generation
~3.8 kWh/kW/day
US average: ~4.5 kWh/kW/day
Less sun per panel than the US average
Typical payback
9.9 years
US average: 10.6 years
Faster than the US average on a $150 bill
Solar cost & savings by system size in New Hampshire
Computed with New Hampshire's rate (24¢/kWh), sun (~3.8 kWh/kW/day), and its reduced export credit, at the 2026 national benchmark of ~$2.75/W with no federal credit.
| System size | Installed cost | Generation/mo | Annual savings | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4kW | ~$11,000 | ~456 kWh | ~$1,116 | ~9.9 yrs |
| 6kW | ~$16,500 | ~684 kWh | ~$1,674 | ~9.9 yrs |
| 8kW | ~$22,000 | ~912 kWh | ~$2,233 | ~9.9 yrs |
| 10kW | ~$27,500 | ~1,140 kWh | ~$2,791 | ~9.9 yrs |
Savings assume a home large enough to use this output. Figures last reviewed July 2026,size a system from your actual bill instead.
How exports are paid in New Hampshire
Net metering credits exports at a blend of retail and default rates, close to, but below, full 1:1.
Because New Hampshire pays less than the full retail rate for exported power, the numbers reward using more of your own solar, running big loads in daylight, or adding a battery to store the surplus instead of exporting it cheaply.
Policies change often, always confirm current rules with your utility or at DSIREbefore deciding.
New Hampshire solar FAQs
Is solar worth it in New Hampshire in 2026?
For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a New Hampshire system pays for itself in about 9.9 years, with no federal tax credit assumed (the residential credit expired at the end of 2025). At 24¢/kWh with net billing (reduced export rate), the economics are solid for most suitable roofs.
How much does a solar system cost in New Hampshire?
At 2026 benchmark prices (~$2.75/W), a 6kW system runs about $16,500 installed, generating roughly 684 kWh a month in New Hampshire's sun. Local quotes vary 20-40% between installers, so always collect several.
What is the net metering policy in New Hampshire?
Net metering credits exports at a blend of retail and default rates, close to, but below, full 1:1.
Does New Hampshire have a state solar incentive?
NH's current net metering terms are locked in for the long term once you enroll. Since the federal residential credit ended in 2025, state and utility incentives are the main upfront help available.
How many solar panels do I need in New Hampshire?
A 5.5 kW system suits a typical $150/month bill in New Hampshire, that's roughly 13 modern 425W panels needing about 358 sq ft of unshaded roof. Enter your own bill in the calculator above for a precise size.