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Exeter solar costs $2.90–$3.25 per watt in 2026. A typical 8 kW system runs $23,200–$26,000. As a historic Seacoast town in Unitil territory — NH's highest-rate utility at $0.26/kWh — Exeter homeowners see some of the best solar economics in the state.
Avg Cost/Watt
$3.08/W
8 kW System
~$24,600
Federal ITC
$0
Cash Payback
~8.4 yr
Federal Residential Solar Tax Credit (Section 25D) Expired December 31, 2025
Exeter homeowners who purchase solar with cash or a loan receive $0 in federal tax credits. NH state rebate was also permanently repealed (SB 303). All prices below reflect what you actually pay. PPA/lease providers can still claim Section 48/48E (30%) through July 4, 2026. Full NH solar guide
Exeter pricing reflects Unitil territory and the Seacoast market. No federal ITC, no state rebate — these are real 2026 out-of-pocket costs.
| System Size | Price Range |
|---|---|
| 5 kW | $14,500–$16,250 |
| 6 kW | $17,400–$19,500 |
| 8 kWMOST COMMON | $23,200–$26,000 |
| 10 kW | $29,000–$32,500 |
| 12 kW | $34,800–$39,000 |
Prices as of March 2026. Based on Exeter-area installer data and EnergySage NH marketplace. No federal 25D ITC ($0). No NH state rebate (SB 303). No state sales tax (NH advantage).
Exeter's Unitil territory, property tax exemption, historic district, and affluent housing stock shape the economics.
Exeter is served by Unitil at $0.26/kWh — the highest rate of NH's three investor-owned utilities. NEM 2.0 credits are approximately $0.22/kWh (~85% of retail). Higher rates mean higher NEM credits and faster payback compared to Eversource towns like Dover or Portsmouth.
Exeter has adopted RSA 72:62 at town meeting, exempting solar energy systems from property tax. Your 8 kW system adds $0 to your assessed value, saving approximately $584/year based on the local mill rate.
Exeter's town center includes a significant historic district from the Revolutionary War era. Homes in the historic district may require Historic District Commission approval for visible solar installations. Ground-mount or rear-facing arrays are common solutions. Newer suburbs on the outskirts face no such restrictions.
New Hampshire has no state sales tax at all. Unlike MA (6.25%) or CT (6.35%), you pay zero sales tax on solar equipment and installation. This saves $1,500+ compared to neighboring states on a typical system.
Exeter's high home values — driven in part by Phillips Exeter Academy and the Seacoast location — support strong solar investment returns. Higher property values mean the tax exemption (RSA 72:62) provides even greater relative savings.
Exeter is eligible for the Community Power Coalition of NH (CPCNH). Community Power can lower the supply portion of your bill by 5-15%. Solar customers still get NEM credits through Unitil for delivery and transmission.
How an 8 kW cash-purchased system pays back in Exeter with no federal credit and no state rebate. Unitil's higher rate means better economics than Eversource towns.
Third-Party Ownership (TPO) Still Has the ITC
If you go with a PPA or lease, the financing company claims Section 48/48E (30%) on systems beginning construction before July 4, 2026. You get a lower monthly rate because of it. You do not own the system and NEM credits typically go to the system owner.
Exeter's Unitil territory gives it higher NEM credits than nearby Eversource towns, making solar payback faster despite similar installation costs.
| City | Cost/W | Prop Tax Exempt |
|---|---|---|
| ExeterYOU ARE HERE | $2.90-$3.25/W | Yes |
| Hampton | $2.95-$3.30/W | Yes |
| Dover | $2.80-$3.15/W | No |
| Portsmouth | $2.95-$3.30/W | Yes |
Exeter and Hampton share Unitil's higher $0.26/kWh rate, resulting in better NEM credits (~$0.22/kWh) than Eversource towns like Dover and Portsmouth (~$0.21/kWh). Dover lacks the property tax exemption, reducing its overall solar value.
Exeter was the Revolutionary War capital of New Hampshire. The town center has a significant historic district that may affect solar installation planning.
Standard residential solar permits in Exeter take 2-3 weeks. Historic district homes may add 1-2 weeks for commission review.
Your installer submits plans to the Exeter Building Department. Standard residential solar permits include structural and electrical drawings. Typical processing: 1-2 weeks. Historic district properties may also need HDC review.
Physical installation of panels, inverter, and electrical connections. Most Exeter homes with standard roofs are completed in 1-2 days. Older colonial homes may need roof reinforcement or panel upgrades.
Exeter electrical inspector signs off on the installation. Typically scheduled within 1 week of completion.
NEM 2.0 enrollment and bi-directional meter installation. Takes 2-4 weeks after passing inspection. Your installer submits the interconnection application to Unitil.
Total timeline: 5-8 weeks from signed contract to system activation. Historic district properties may take 7-10 weeks due to additional commission review.
Three paths to solar in Exeter. Each has different economics now that the federal credit is gone.
~$24,600 upfront. All NEM credits and property tax savings go to you. Best long-term value with ~8.4-year payback.
25-year savings: ~$75,073
$0 down, 6-8% APR typical. You own the system and keep NEM credits. Monthly payments $190-$270 for 15-20 year terms. NH has no special subsidized loan program.
Total cost with interest: ~$34K-$42K
$0 down. Financing company claims 48/48E (30%) — deadline July 4, 2026. You get reduced electricity cost. You do not own the system.
Monthly: ~$120-$180 (fixed PPA rate)
Solar panels in Exeter NH cost $2.90-$3.25 per watt installed in 2026, averaging about $3.08/W. For a typical 8 kW system, that is $23,200-$26,000 with an average of $24,600. There is no federal tax credit (25D expired December 31, 2025) and no NH state rebate (SB 303 repealed it). The price you see is the price you pay.
Yes. Exeter has adopted RSA 72:62, which exempts solar energy systems from local property tax assessment. Your solar system adds $0 to your assessed home value. This saves approximately $584 per year based on a typical 8 kW system adding ~$15,000 in value at Exeter mill rates. This is a permanent exemption with no expiration.
Exeter is in Unitil territory with residential rates averaging $0.26/kWh — the highest of NH's three investor-owned utilities. Under NEM 2.0, solar credits are approximately $0.22/kWh (about 85% of retail). This is higher than Eversource's ~$0.21/kWh NEM credit, which means Exeter homeowners see faster solar payback. Credits roll over monthly indefinitely, with cash-out at the $100 threshold. Rates are locked through January 1, 2041.
Yes, but with potential additional steps. Exeter's town center has a significant historic district dating to the Revolutionary War era. If your property is within the Historic District, you may need Historic District Commission approval for visible solar installations. Common solutions include rear-facing roof arrays (not visible from the street), ground-mount systems in backyards, or all-black panels that blend with roofing. Homes outside the historic district — in newer subdivisions and suburban areas — face no additional restrictions beyond standard building permits.
No, if you buy with cash or a loan. Section 25D (the 30% residential solar ITC) expired December 31, 2025. However, if you go with a third-party owned system (PPA or lease), the financing company can still claim Section 48/48E (30%) on systems that begin construction before July 4, 2026. The TPO provider passes some of that savings to you as a lower rate.
Statewide costs, NEM 2.0, and payback analysis
Eversource territory, seacoast premium, $2.95-$3.30/W
Largest NH city, best installer competition, $2.85-$3.20/W
Compare NH utility rates and NEM credits for solar
NEM 2.0 credits, rollover rules, and 2041 lock
Compare financing options after ITC expiration
See exactly what solar costs for your Exeter home. We factor in Unitil rates, NEM 2.0 credits, property tax exemption, historic district considerations, and your roof. No ITC padding — just real 2026 numbers.
Serving Exeter, Hampton Falls, Stratham, Newfields, and the NH Seacoast