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Short answer: Yes — NH has $0.27/kWh rates (48% above national average), NEM 2.0 at ~85% of retail locked through 2041, and zero state sales tax. An 8 kW system at $3.03/W costs $24,240, saves ~$2,484/yr, and pays back in approximately 9.5 years. No federal ITC (expired Dec 31, 2025), no state rebate (repealed 2024). But $38K–$50K in 25-year savings is still real.
$0.27
Avg rate per kWh
~9.5
Year payback (no ITC)
2041
NEM 2.0 locked until
$0
State sales tax
Using the NH average of $3.03/W and $0.27/kWh. No ITC, no state rebate. No inflated numbers.
| Item | Value | Note |
|---|---|---|
| System Size | 8 kW | Average NH home |
| Cost Per Watt | $3.03/W | NH average 2026 |
| Gross System Cost | $24,240 | 8,000W × $3.03 |
| Federal ITC (25D) | $0 | EXPIRED Dec 31, 2025 |
| State Rebate | $0 | REPEALED SB 303 |
| Net Cost | $24,240 | No incentives available |
| Annual Production | ~9,200 kWh | 1,150 peak sun hrs × 8 kW |
| Annual Savings | ~$2,484 | At $0.27/kWh avg rate |
| Property Tax Savings | ~$584/yr | RSA 72:62 (if adopted) |
| Simple Payback | ~9.5 years | No incentives, with prop tax exempt |
| 25-Year Net Savings | $38K–$50K | Range across NH utilities |
Payback stretched from ~5 years (with the old 30% ITC) to ~9.5 years without incentives. But 25-year savings are still real: $38,000-$50,000 depending on your utility. The system produces the same kilowatt-hours regardless of what the tax code says. You get 15+ years of free electricity after payback, well within the 25-year panel warranty period.
The 25-year savings estimate assumes 2.5% annual rate escalation. At $0.27/kWh today, rates could reach $0.36/kWh in 10 years and $0.46/kWh in 20 years. Solar locks in your electricity cost at $0/kWh after payback. Every year rates rise, your solar investment looks better in retrospect.
High electricity rates and long-term NEM protection are the foundation. No ITC needed to make the math work.
48% above the national average of $0.19/kWh
NH residential electric rates average $0.27/kWh — Eversource $0.25, Unitil $0.26, Liberty $0.24, NHEC $0.22. This is the single biggest factor making solar worthwhile. High electricity rates mean every kWh your panels produce offsets more expensive grid power. An 8 kW system generating ~9,200 kWh/year offsets roughly $2,484 in electricity costs at average rates.
~85% of retail rate. Docket DE 16-576 protection.
NH Net Energy Metering credits equal approximately 85% of retail rate (100% supply + 100% transmission + 25% distribution). Credits roll over indefinitely with cash-out at $100. Critically: this rate structure is LOCKED through January 1, 2041 under Docket DE 16-576. You know exactly what your export credits are worth for the next 15 years. This long-term certainty is your most valuable remaining incentive.
RSA 72:62 — town meeting adoption required
Solar adds approximately $15,000 in home value but $0 to your property tax in the ~200 of 300+ NH municipalities that have adopted RSA 72:62. At typical NH mill rates, that saves ~$584/year permanently — adding up to ~$14,600 over 25 years. Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Portsmouth, Keene, Exeter, Hampton, and Salem have all adopted the exemption. Check with your town assessor if unsure.
NH structural advantage vs MA, CT, RI
New Hampshire has no state sales tax on any purchase, including solar equipment and installation. In Massachusetts, 6.25% sales tax on a $24,000 system adds $1,500. In Connecticut: $1,543. In Rhode Island: $1,680. In NH: $0. This is a permanent structural advantage that never expires and never needs renewal.
Deadline July 4, 2026 for construction to begin
The residential ITC (Section 25D) is dead for homeowners. But Section 48/48E is alive for third-party system owners. Choose a PPA or solar lease and the financing company — NOT you, NOT the installer — claims the 30% commercial ITC. Savings are passed through as a lower per-kWh rate ($0.22-0.24/kWh vs $0.27 retail). This window closes July 4, 2026. After that, PPA rates are likely to increase 15-25%.
From ~$3.50/W (2023) to $3.03/W average now
Global solar panel oversupply has pushed module costs to historic lows. An 8 kW system that cost $28,000 in 2023 now costs ~$24,240. This partially offsets the loss of the ITC. Warning: tariff uncertainty in 2026 could push equipment prices back up. Current lows may not last.
Honest cons. No sugarcoating. Know these before you sign any contract.
Expired December 31, 2025 — no phase-down, no return
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed July 4, 2025, eliminated Section 25D effective December 31, 2025. NH homeowners who purchase solar with cash or a loan receive $0 in federal tax credits. There is no pending legislation to restore it. Payback stretched from ~5 years (with ITC) to ~9.5 years without it.
SB 303 signed 2024 — not suspended, gone
SB 303 permanently repealed the $0.20/W state solar rebate (previously capped at $1,000). This was not a suspension — it was a permanent repeal with no path to reinstatement under current law. Adding this to the loss of 25D, NH homeowners lost approximately $8,272 in incentives on an 8 kW system between 2024-2025.
Credits are real, but not full retail value
Many homeowners expect 1:1 net metering — sending 1 kWh to the grid and getting 1 kWh back in credit. NH NEM 2.0 does not work that way. Credits equal approximately 85% of retail (100% supply + 100% transmission + 25% distribution). At $0.27/kWh retail, your NEM credit is roughly $0.23/kWh. This reduces the value of exported power vs. self-consumed power.
~1,175 peak sun hours/year vs 1,800+ in FL/AZ
New Hampshire averages approximately 1,175 peak sun hours per year, compared to 1,800+ in Florida, Arizona, or Texas. An 8 kW system produces ~9,200 kWh/year in NH vs 12,000-14,400 kWh/year in the Sun Belt. However, NH's high electricity rates more than compensate — you're offsetting more expensive power even with less production.
~34% of towns have NOT adopted it
If your town has not adopted RSA 72:62 at a town meeting, solar additions will increase your property tax assessment. Approximately 100 of 300+ NH towns have not adopted it. Rural towns and northern NH towns are more likely to be excluded. Check with your town clerk before assuming the exemption applies.
Market rate 6-8% APR only (no CT Green Bank equivalent)
Connecticut has the Smart-E Loan (0.99% APR via CT Green Bank). Massachusetts had Mass Solar Loan (now ended). Rhode Island had Efficient RI. New Hampshire has none of these. NH solar loans are standard market rates: 6-8% APR with 15-20 year terms. This adds $10,000-$18,000 in interest over the life of the loan.
Solar is not universally worth it. Here are the specific scenarios where NH solar does not pencil out:
Solar systems last 25+ years. If your roof has less than 5-7 years left, you will pay $8,000-$20,000 to remove and reinstall panels during roof replacement. Fix the roof first.
Even partial shading can cut production 25-50%. If your primary roof faces north or is heavily shaded, the math changes significantly. Get a shading analysis before committing.
Solar adds $10,000-$15,000 in home value, but not dollar-for-dollar in all NH markets. With a ~9.5 year payback and a 3-year timeline, you are unlikely to recoup the investment. PPA/lease may complicate sale.
South-facing arrays in NH produce 100% baseline. East/west-facing arrays produce 80-85%. North-facing arrays produce 50-60%. A north-facing system may extend payback to 15+ years.
NHEC serves rural northern NH at $0.22/kWh — lower than state average. Combined with potentially higher installation costs in remote areas, payback can stretch to 12-15 years. NHEC customers should run the numbers carefully.
Without property tax exemption, solar additions increase your assessment. At a 25 mill rate, a $15,000 value increase costs $375/year in additional taxes. Check before you install.
Get at least 3 quotes from licensed NH solar installers. Ask specifically about your roof orientation, shading analysis, and local permitting timeline. A reputable installer will tell you honestly if solar does not make sense for your home — they would rather lose a bad deal than deal with an unhappy customer who never sees payback.
Payback and 25-year savings vary by which utility serves your home. Eversource serves 71% of NH customers.
NHEC serves rural northern NH at $0.22/kWh — the lowest in the state. Combined with potentially higher installation costs in remote areas, payback can stretch to 11-15 years. For NHEC customers, getting multiple quotes and a detailed shading analysis is especially important before committing.
With 25D expired, the relative advantages have shifted. Here is what each option looks like for NH homeowners in 2026.
Upfront Cost
$24,240
Federal ITC
$0 (25D expired)
Ownership
You own the system
NEM 2.0 Credits
All NEM 2.0 credits go to you
Payback
~9.5 years
25-Year Savings
Highest ($38K–$50K)
Best For
Maximum long-term savings, no debt, no complications
Upfront Cost
$0 down
Federal ITC
$0 (25D expired)
Ownership
You own the system
NEM 2.0 Credits
All NEM 2.0 credits go to you
Payback
Varies (6-8% APR, 15-20 yr term)
25-Year Savings
Strong ($24K–$36K after interest)
Best For
$0 down + system ownership, build equity immediately
Upfront Cost
$0
Federal ITC
30% Section 48 (claimed by 3rd party)
Ownership
Third-party company owns system
NEM 2.0 Credits
NEM credits may go to system owner
Payback
Immediate savings (day 1)
25-Year Savings
Moderate (10-20% below retail rate)
Best For
$0 upfront + Section 48 still active until July 4, 2026
Section 48/48E requires construction to begin before July 4, 2026. After this deadline, TPO providers lose the 30% ITC and PPA rates are likely to increase 15-25%. If you are considering a PPA or lease, act before this deadline. The financing company (not the installer) claims the ITC.
The most common question we hear in 2026. Here is the honest answer.
There is no realistic scenario where Section 25D returns under the current administration. Waiting means paying $207/month in utility bills that solar could offset. If you have the cash or can get a 6-8% loan, the 9.5-year payback on a system with a 25-year warranty is a solid investment. If you want the Section 48 TPO/PPA benefit, you have a hard deadline of July 4, 2026. The math works — it just takes longer to pay back than it did two years ago.
Payback estimates for major NH cities using actual utility rates and local installation costs. No ITC, no state rebate.
Eversource · $0.25/kWh
Eversource · $0.25/kWh
Unitil · $0.26/kWh
Eversource · $0.25/kWh
Eversource · $0.25/kWh
Liberty · $0.24/kWh
Unitil · $0.26/kWh
NHEC · $0.22/kWh
$0 down. Fixed payments. Own your system by year 5. No dealer fees. No prepayment penalty.
Honest answers about whether solar is worth it in NH in 2026.
Yes, for most NH homeowners — but with a longer payback than before. With $0.27/kWh average electricity rates (48% above the national average), NEM 2.0 credits locked through 2041, no state sales tax, and property tax exemptions in ~66% of towns, an 8 kW system pays back in approximately 9.5 years and generates $38,000-$50,000 in 25-year net savings. The federal ITC expired December 31, 2025 and the state rebate was repealed, stretching payback from ~5 years to ~9.5 years. But the system still produces free electricity for 15+ years after payback.
No, not for homeowners. Section 25D (the residential solar ITC) expired December 31, 2025 under the OBBBA signed July 4, 2025. NH homeowners buying solar with cash or a loan receive $0 in federal tax credits. However, if you choose a PPA or solar lease, the third-party financing company can claim the 30% commercial ITC (Section 48/48E) for systems beginning construction before July 4, 2026. The savings are passed to you as a lower per-kWh rate.
No. SB 303, signed in 2024, permanently repealed the $0.20/W state solar rebate (previously capped at $1,000). There is no state solar rebate and no pending legislation to restore it. NH residents lost both the federal ITC and the state rebate between 2024-2025.
Approximately 9.5 years for an average 8 kW system at $3.03/W ($24,240 gross cost) with property tax exemption. Without property tax exemption, approximately 10.8 years. Payback varies by utility: Eversource customers (71% of NH) see ~9.7 years, Unitil customers ~9.3 years, Liberty ~10.2 years, NHEC ~11.5 years. The system lasts 25+ years, leaving 15+ years of profit after payback.
NEM 2.0 credits equal approximately 85% of retail rate (100% supply + 100% transmission + 25% distribution). It is NOT 1:1 retail. At $0.27/kWh retail, your NEM credit is roughly $0.23/kWh for exported power. Credits roll over indefinitely with cash-out at the $100 threshold. The key advantage: this rate is locked through January 1, 2041 under Docket DE 16-576. Yes, it is worth it — but understand you are getting 85 cents on the dollar for exports, not full retail.
Approximately 200 of 300+ NH municipalities have adopted RSA 72:62, which exempts solar systems from property tax assessment (approximately 66% of towns). Major cities that have adopted it include Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Portsmouth, Keene, Exeter, Hampton, Salem, and Derry. To confirm your town, contact your town assessor or check with your local planning department. If your town has not adopted it, solar additions will increase your property tax bill.
Solar may not be worth it if your roof needs replacement within 5 years, your primary roof faces north or is heavily shaded, you plan to sell in under 3 years, you are an NHEC customer in a remote high-cost area, or your town has not adopted RSA 72:62 and you have a high mill rate. Run the specific numbers for your home before committing.
Cash purchase delivers the highest 25-year savings ($38K-$50K net) and simplest ownership. Solar loan offers $0 down with ownership but adds $10K-$18K in interest at current 6-8% APR. PPA/lease offers $0 down with immediate savings — and the financing company claims the 30% Section 48 ITC until July 4, 2026. If you can afford cash, buy it. If not, compare a loan at 6-8% APR vs a PPA rate carefully. NH has no subsidized solar loan like CT's Smart-E program.
Massachusetts has SMART 3.0 ($0.03/kWh for 20 years) and ConnectedSolutions battery payments, giving shorter paybacks (~8.5 years). NH compensates with no state sales tax (saving $1,500 vs MA), NEM 2.0 locked through 2041, and lower average installation costs. Both states lost the federal ITC. For most homeowners, NH solar is slightly less advantageous than MA due to lower production incentives, but the no-sales-tax advantage partially closes the gap.
Deep dive into NH solar math post-ITC. Timeline of what expired and why it still makes sense.
The ~85% credit rate explained per-utility. NOT 1:1. Locked through 2041.
City-by-city pricing from Manchester to Portsmouth. What installers actually charge.
RSA 72:62 property tax exemption, no sales tax, and what's left after 25D expired.
Full financing comparison with NH-specific numbers. No Mass Solar Loan or CT Green Bank equivalent.
Per-utility NEM credit rates, production incentives, and solar program details.
Monthly production chart, snow load facts (50-80 psf), cold temp efficiency boost, albedo effect.
No ITC. No state rebate. We run the honest numbers specific to your home — your roof, your utility, your usage. You will know the real payback before you sign anything.
Updated March 2026 — Post-OBBBA reality. No inflated savings promises.