Solar Financing in New Hampshire
Lease vs. Buy vs. PPA — Complete financing guide for NH homeowners
Urgent tax credit deadlines
- Section 30D EV credit (up to $7,500) — expires June 30, 2026 (12 days left).
- Section 48E solar ITC safe harbor — construction must start by July 4, 2026 (16 days left).
Going solar in New Hampshire? With electricity rates averaging 28¢/kWh and good solar resources, choosing the right financing option can save you $53,900 or more over 25 years. This guide breaks down every option available to New Hampshire homeowners.
Avg Rate
28¢
per kWh
Solar Resource
Good
NH
Typical System
7kW
residential
Payback
~5.4 yrs
estimated
Solar Incentives & Tax Credits in New Hampshire
New Hampshire homeowners can take advantage of the following solar incentive programs:
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit
30% federal tax credit via Section 48E for qualifying projects (leases, PPAs, commercial) that begin construction before July 4, 2026. The residential ownership credit (25D) expired December 31, 2025.
30% of system cost
Solar Property Tax Exemption
Solar energy systems can be exempt from property tax at the option of the municipality (RSA 72:62-72).
Municipal option
NH Renewable Generation Incentive Program
The NH Public Utilities Commission offers per-watt rebates for residential renewable generation systems, subject to funding availability.
Up to $0.75/W
Net Metering in New Hampshire
New Hampshire mandates net metering at the full retail rate for systems up to 100 kW under PUC rules.
✓ New Hampshire offers a property tax exemption for solar installations, meaning your property taxes won't increase despite the added home value.
Compare Financing Options in New Hampshire
See how cash purchase, solar loan, lease, and PPA compare based on New Hampshire's average rates:
Solar Financing Comparison for New Hampshire
Based on 28¢/kWh electricity rate and a 7kW system
Cash Purchase
Pay upfront — maximum long-term savings
- Upfront Cost
- $14,700
- Monthly Savings
- $229/mo
- Tax Credit Eligible
- Yes
Solar Loan
$0 down — own the system over time
- Down Payment
- $0
- Monthly Payment
- $144/mo
- Net Monthly
- $85/mo
- Tax Credit Eligible
- Yes
Solar Lease
$0 down — provider owns the system
- Down Payment
- $0
- Monthly Payment
- $91/mo
- Net Monthly
- $138/mo
- Tax Credit Eligible
- No
Power Purchase Agreement
$0 down — pay per kWh produced
- Down Payment
- $0
- Annual Savings
- $2,205/yr
- Tax Credit Eligible
- No
Estimates based on average New Hampshire (NH) rates and system costs. For a personalized comparison, use our full financing calculator.
Lease vs. Buy vs. PPA in New Hampshire
Buying (Cash or Loan)
Best for: Maximizing long-term savings and home value.
- You own the system and all electricity it generates
- Eligible for the 30% Federal Tax Credit (~$6,300 on a 7kW system)
- Property tax exempt in New Hampshire
- Increases home value by an average of 4.1%
- Highest 25-year savings: ~$53,900
- You handle maintenance (panels need little)
Solar Lease
Best for: Zero upfront cost with predictable payments.
- $0 or low upfront cost
- Fixed monthly payment (no surprise bills)
- Maintenance and repairs typically covered
- Not eligible for tax credits or incentives
- Lower 25-year savings (~$41,300)
- May complicate home sale (lease transfer)
Power Purchase Agreement (PPA)
Best for: Paying only for what you produce, $0 down.
- $0 upfront cost
- Pay a per-kWh rate (typically lower than utility)
- Provider owns and maintains the system
- Not eligible for tax credits
- Rate escalates 2-3% annually (read the contract)
- Lowest 25-year savings of the three options
Solar Financing FAQ — New Hampshire
Is solar worth it in New Hampshire?
Yes, solar is an exceptionally strong investment in New Hampshire. With among the highest electricity rates in the nation averaging 28¢/kWh and good solar resources, a typical 7kW system can offset most of your household electricity usage. The estimated payback period is 5-7 years, after which you enjoy more than a decade of largely free electricity. new hampshire mandates net metering at the full retail rate for systems up to 100 kw under puc rules is the main policy factor to verify with your utility.
What solar incentives are available in New Hampshire?
New Hampshire residents can claim the 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (worth $6,300 on a typical 7kW system). The state also offers Solar Property Tax Exemption, NH Renewable Generation Incentive Program. New Hampshire offers a property tax exemption, so your property taxes won't rise despite the added home value.
Should I lease, buy, or get a PPA in New Hampshire?
Buying your solar system (cash or loan) maximizes long-term savings and qualifies you for the 30% Federal Tax Credit. On a typical 7kW system in New Hampshire, that's about $6,300 back. Buying yields roughly $53,900 in net savings over 25 years. Leasing or a PPA requires $0 down and includes maintenance, but you won't get tax credits and your 25-year savings will be much lower (around $41,300). If you can afford the upfront cost or qualify for a low-rate loan, buying is the clear winner in New Hampshire.
How much does a solar system cost in New Hampshire?
A typical 7kW residential solar system in New Hampshire costs approximately $21,000 before incentives. After the 30% Federal Tax Credit (~$6,300), the net cost drops to about $14,700. Actual costs vary based on equipment quality, installer, roof complexity, and whether you add battery storage. New Hampshire offers a property tax exemption, so your property taxes won't rise despite the added home value.
Does New Hampshire have net metering?
New Hampshire mandates net metering at the full retail rate for systems up to 100 kW under PUC rules.
What is the solar payback period in New Hampshire?
The typical solar payback period in New Hampshire is approximately 5-7 years. With a net system cost of about $14,700 after the federal tax credit and annual electricity savings of roughly $2,470-$3,018 (based on 28¢/kWh), most New Hampshire homeowners see full payback within 7 years and enjoy 18+ years of largely free electricity thereafter.
Related Solar Tools
Estimates are based on New Hampshire average rates, system costs, and the 30% Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit. Actual savings vary by installer, equipment, roof, and utility policy.