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The federal ITC is dead. The NH state rebate is dead (SB 303). Net metering is NOT 1:1. Some companies have not updated their pitch. Others are deliberately misleading New Hampshire homeowners. Here is how to protect yourself.
$0
Federal Tax Credit
$0
NH State Rebate
~85%
NEM 2.0 Credit
$3.03
Avg Cost/Watt
Section 25D of the Internal Revenue Code was eliminated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed July 4, 2025. It expired December 31, 2025. Additionally, New Hampshire repealed its state solar rebate program via SB 303 in 2024. NH homeowners who purchase solar receive zero federal tax credits and zero state rebates. Section 48/48E remains available for third-party owners (PPA/lease companies) on projects beginning construction before July 4, 2026, but the homeowner does not claim that credit.
New Hampshire is in a unique and challenging position for solar in 2026. The state has no sales tax, NEM 2.0 net metering locked through 2041, and approximately 66% of towns offering property tax exemptions under RSA 72:62 — making solar a solid long-term investment. But NH also has no federal tax credit (expired) and no state rebate (repealed).
This creates a dangerous information gap. Some companies still reference the federal ITC and the old NH rebate in their marketing materials. Others misrepresent NEM 2.0 as full 1:1 retail credit when it is actually ~85%. These distortions can inflate a homeowner’s projected savings by $10,000-$15,000 — a massive gap between what you were promised and what you actually receive.
Southern NH’s proximity to Massachusetts also brings Massachusetts-based solar sales teams across the border, sometimes applying MA-specific assumptions (Mass Save incentives, higher utility rates, state rebates) that do not apply in New Hampshire.
This guide covers the 10 biggest red flags in the 2026 New Hampshire solar market, NH-specific scam patterns, how to verify any company’s credentials, and a complete contract checklist — plus an interactive Red Flag Checker tool.
The #1 red flag in 2026: any NH solar company that advertises a 30% federal tax credit for homeowners. The residential solar ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. It is $0 for homeowners purchasing with cash or a loan.
The #2 red flag: claiming an NH state solar rebate exists. SB 303 repealed the state rebate program in 2024. There is no state rebate. If a company includes either the ITC or a state rebate in your savings estimate, they are inflating your projected savings by thousands of dollars.
Other NH-specific red flags include: misrepresenting NEM 2.0 as 1:1 (it is ~85% of retail), inflated production estimates (realistic: 1,200-1,300 kWh/kW/yr), guaranteeing property tax exemptions without checking your town’s RSA 72:62 adoption, and fake “NHSaves approval” claims for solar.
The only exception: PPA and lease providers can legitimately reference Section 48/48E, because the third-party owner of the system claims that credit. But if a company tells you, the homeowner, that you will receive 30% off your taxes, they are wrong.
These are the warning signs we see most often in the 2026 New Hampshire solar market. If you encounter any of these, proceed with extreme caution.
The federal residential solar ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025. It is gone. $0 for homeowners. Any company in New Hampshire still advertising a 30% credit is either dangerously uninformed or intentionally deceiving you.
Section 25D of the Internal Revenue Code was eliminated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed July 4, 2025. For any solar system purchased by a homeowner with cash or a loan in 2026, the federal tax credit is $0.
New Hampshire is a particularly vulnerable market because there is ALSO no state rebate (SB 303 repealed it in 2024). This means a company advertising a 30% ITC is inflating your savings by 30% with no other cushion to absorb the lie.
The exception: PPA and lease providers can legitimately reference Section 48/48E, because the third-party system owner (not you) claims that credit. But if a company tells YOU that YOU will receive 30% off your taxes, they are wrong.
“Under which section of the tax code does the residential solar credit exist in 2026?”
Correct answer: It doesn't. Section 25D expired December 31, 2025. If they can't answer this, walk away.
New Hampshire DOES NOT have a state solar rebate. SB 303 repealed the state solar rebate program in 2024. Any company referencing an NH state solar rebate or incentive check is using outdated or false information.
The NH Renewable Energy Fund previously offered residential solar rebates. SB 303 repealed this program in 2024. There is no replacement. There is no state-level cash incentive for residential solar in NH in 2026.
This is a particularly dangerous red flag in NH because without a federal credit AND without a state rebate, the economics of solar depend entirely on net metering savings, no sales tax, and local property tax exemptions. A company that inflates the savings with a nonexistent rebate is painting a completely false picture.
Do not confuse NHSaves utility efficiency programs (which cover insulation, heat pumps, and weatherization) with solar incentives. NHSaves does NOT provide solar rebates.
“What is the name of the NH state solar rebate program, and can you show me the current application?”
Correct answer: There is no NH state solar rebate. SB 303 repealed it in 2024. If they reference one, walk away immediately.
NH NEM 2.0 is NOT 1:1 retail credit. You receive 100% of supply + 100% of transmission + only 25% of distribution, which equals approximately 85% of the full retail rate. Companies claiming 1:1 are overstating your savings by ~15%.
The NH PUC established NEM 2.0 rules that provide credits at: 100% supply + 100% transmission + 25% distribution. For a customer paying $0.25/kWh with Eversource NH, the effective NEM credit is approximately $0.21/kWh — not the full $0.25.
Over a 25-year system life, the difference between 85% and 100% net metering on a typical 8 kW NH system amounts to $4,000-$6,000 in overstated savings. A company using 1:1 in their projections is inflating your ROI.
The positive news: NEM 2.0 rates are locked through 2041, providing long-term certainty. But the rate must be accurately represented in your savings projection.
“What net metering rate are you using in my savings projection — full retail or NEM 2.0?”
Correct answer: They should reference NEM 2.0 at approximately 85% of retail (100% supply + 100% transmission + 25% distribution). If they say "full retail" or "1:1," they are overstating your savings.
"Get free solar panels!" In NH, this claim is especially egregious because there is no federal tax credit AND no state rebate to subsidize anything. "Free" means a lease or PPA — you pay monthly for 20-25 years and never own the system.
In a solar lease or PPA, the third-party company owns your panels. You pay them a monthly fee or per-kWh rate. Over 20-25 years, you will pay $15,000-$35,000+ for a system you never own.
In NH, with no federal credit and no state rebate, there is literally nothing that makes solar "free" for a homeowner who buys with cash or a loan. The full cost is your responsibility.
If a company describes solar as "free," ask: "Is this a lease, PPA, or cash purchase? Who owns the system?" If they call a lease "free solar," that is deceptive under RSA 358-A.
“Is this a purchase (cash or loan), a lease, or a PPA? Who owns the system?”
Correct answer: They should clearly state the ownership structure. In a lease/PPA, they own it. In a purchase, you own it. There is no "free" option.
"Sign today or lose this price." "This special program ends Friday." New Hampshire towns — especially in the southern tier (Nashua, Manchester, Salem, Derry) — are targeted by door-to-door solar sales teams using manufactured urgency.
NH net metering rates are set by the PUC and locked through 2041. There is no legitimate near-term deadline for NH solar incentives. There is no state rebate expiring (because there is no state rebate).
Under NH Consumer Protection Act (RSA 358-A), deceptive trade practices including high-pressure sales tactics are illegal. NH also has a 3-business-day right to cancel for door-to-door sales under the FTC Cooling-Off Rule.
Southern NH communities along the I-93 and Route 101 corridors are prime targets because of their proximity to Massachusetts, where higher electricity rates make solar marketing more aggressive.
“What specific NH incentive is expiring, and can you show me the PUC order?”
Correct answer: There is no NH solar incentive with a near-term expiration. NEM 2.0 is locked through 2041. There is no state rebate. The urgency is manufactured.
The NH property tax exemption for solar (RSA 72:62) is a LOCAL OPTION — only about 66% of NH towns have adopted it. A company that guarantees property tax savings without checking your specific town is either uninformed or careless.
RSA 72:62 allows NH municipalities to exempt solar energy systems from property tax assessments. However, each town must vote to adopt this exemption at town meeting. Not all towns have.
Approximately 66% of NH towns have adopted RSA 72:62, which saves homeowners roughly $584/year in property taxes on a typical solar installation. The remaining ~34% of towns have not adopted it — meaning your solar system WILL increase your property tax assessment.
A legitimate installer will verify whether your specific town has adopted RSA 72:62 before including property tax savings in your ROI calculation. If they assume every town has the exemption, your payback projection may be off by thousands of dollars.
“Has my town adopted RSA 72:62? Can you verify that before including property tax savings in my quote?”
Correct answer: They should check with your town assessor or reference the NH DRA list of towns that have adopted RSA 72:62. A blanket "yes" without verification is a red flag.
Realistic solar production in New Hampshire is 1,200-1,300 kWh per kW per year. NH is not Arizona or even Massachusetts. If a company projects 1,400+ kWh/kW, they are inflating your savings to make the deal look better.
New Hampshire receives approximately 4.5-5.0 peak sun hours per day annually. This translates to 1,200-1,300 kWh/kW/year for a well-oriented system. Northern NH towns (Laconia, Plymouth, Littleton) produce on the lower end.
Some companies use production estimates from southern states or even national averages (1,400-1,600 kWh/kW) in their NH proposals. This inflates your projected savings by 10-30% and artificially shortens the payback period.
Ask for the production estimate source. Legitimate companies use PVWatts (NREL), Aurora, or Helioscope with NH-specific irradiance data and actual shading analysis from your roof.
“What production estimate (kWh/kW/year) are you using, and what tool generated it?”
Correct answer: They should cite 1,200-1,300 kWh/kW/year from PVWatts, Aurora, or Helioscope with your specific address and roof orientation. Anything above 1,350 for NH needs justification.
NHSaves is a utility-funded energy efficiency program covering insulation, weatherization, and heat pumps. It does NOT approve, certify, or endorse solar installers. Any company claiming NHSaves affiliation for solar sales is being deceptive.
NHSaves is a partnership between NH electric utilities (Eversource NH, Liberty, Unitil, and NHEC) focused on energy efficiency programs. It covers insulation, air sealing, heat pumps, and efficient appliances — NOT solar panels.
Some door-to-door salespeople claim to be "from NHSaves" or "NHSaves-approved" to establish credibility. This is a deceptive trade practice. NHSaves has no solar installer approval program.
If a salesperson references NHSaves, ask them which specific NHSaves program covers solar installations. The correct answer is: none. Solar is handled separately through net metering and interconnection with your utility.
“Which specific NHSaves program covers solar installations? Can you show me the NHSaves page?”
Correct answer: No NHSaves program covers solar installations. NHSaves focuses on energy efficiency (insulation, heat pumps, weatherization). If they reference NHSaves for solar, they are being deceptive.
Some solar lease and PPA contracts in NH include a 2.9% annual escalator clause that increases your monthly payment every year. Over 20-25 years, your "below-retail" rate can exceed your actual utility rate.
A 2.9% annual escalator on a $0.18/kWh PPA rate means you pay $0.185/kWh in year 2, $0.191/kWh in year 3, and $0.327/kWh by year 20. Meanwhile, if Eversource NH rates increase at historical averages (~3.5%/year), you may still save — but the margin narrows significantly.
The danger is compounded in NH because NEM 2.0 credits are only ~85% of retail. If your PPA escalator outpaces utility rate increases, you could end up paying MORE than your utility bill for electricity from panels on your own roof.
Always ask for the escalator rate in writing. Compare the projected Year-20 PPA rate against projected utility rates. A 0% escalator or fixed-rate PPA is far more transparent.
“What is the annual escalator rate on this lease/PPA? What will my rate be in Year 10 and Year 20?”
Correct answer: They should provide the exact escalator percentage and show you projected rates for every year of the contract. A 0% escalator or fixed rate is ideal. Anything above 2% requires careful analysis.
NH requires electricians performing solar installations to hold a valid license from the NH Electricians Board. All installations require building and electrical permits from your town. Skipping either violates NH law and voids warranties.
New Hampshire requires solar installers to hold a valid electrician license issued by the NH Electricians Board under the Office of Professional Licensure and Certification (OPLC). Ask for the license number and verify it at oplc.nh.gov.
Every NH municipality requires building and electrical permits for solar installations. The building permit ensures structural integrity, and the electrical permit ensures code compliance. An unpermitted installation creates liability when selling your home.
NH towns have varying permit requirements and fees. A legitimate installer knows the local process and includes permitting costs in their quote. If a company says permits are "not needed" or "handled informally," that is a serious red flag.
“What is your NH electrician license number, and will you pull all required permits with my town?”
Correct answer: They should provide the license number immediately and confirm that all building and electrical permits are included in their scope of work and pricing.
These deceptive tactics are especially common in the New Hampshire solar market due to the state’s lack of incentives, proximity to MA, and complex NEM 2.0 rules.
Companies reference both the federal ITC (expired Dec 2025) AND an NH state rebate (repealed by SB 303 in 2024) to inflate savings by $10,000-$15,000. Neither incentive exists. The actual NH solar value comes from net metering (NEM 2.0), no sales tax, and local property tax exemptions — not phantom credits.
The Nashua-Manchester-Salem corridor along I-93 is a prime target for Massachusetts-based door-to-door solar teams crossing the border. They use MA-based pricing assumptions (higher rates, Mass Save incentives) that do not apply in NH. Red flag: any uninvited salesperson who references MA programs for your NH home.
Salespeople claim to be approved by or working with NHSaves to install solar. NHSaves is a utility efficiency program covering insulation, weatherization, and heat pumps. It has NO solar installer approval program. Any company using NHSaves branding for solar is being deceptive.
Companies promise property tax savings without verifying your town adopted RSA 72:62. Only ~66% of NH towns have adopted this local option exemption. If your town has not, solar WILL increase your property tax assessment. A legitimate company checks your specific town before including this in your ROI.
Not every company is dishonest. Here are the hallmarks of a trustworthy New Hampshire solar installer.
Shows the real cost of your system without a 30% tax credit or state rebate line item. Explains clearly that both the ITC and NH rebate are gone.
Uses ~85% of retail (not 1:1) for net metering calculations. References NEM 2.0 locked through 2041 for long-term certainty.
Offers cash, solar loan (with transparent dealer fee disclosure), PPA/lease, and explains the pros and cons of each option honestly.
Provides their NH license number upfront. Licensed, insured, and bonded in New Hampshire. Verifiable through the NH OPLC.
Offers a comprehensive 25-year warranty on panels, inverters, and workmanship. Backs it with a local NH or New England presence.
Handles all town permitting, utility interconnection, NEM 2.0 enrollment, and inspections. You should not have to manage NH paperwork.
Dealer fees are one of the least understood aspects of solar financing in 2026. When a solar company partners with a lending institution, the lender offers the company a choice of loan products. Lower-APR loans come with higher dealer fees. The company selects the loan product, and the dealer fee is added to your loan principal.
For example, a company might offer you a “1.49% APR solar loan.” Sounds great. But the dealer fee might be 30%. On a $24,000 NH system, you are actually financing $31,200. Your monthly payment and total interest cost reflect that $31,200 balance, not the $24,000 value of your system.
In NH, where there is no federal credit or state rebate to offset costs, every dollar matters. A dealer fee inflating your loan by $7,200 can add 1-2 years to your payback period. Always compare the installer’s loan against a NH credit union or local bank.
| Loan Type | APR | Dealer Fee | Amount Financed | Term | Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Installer loan (low APR) | 1.49% | 30% | $31,200 | 25 yr | $37,130 |
| Installer loan (mid APR) | 4.99% | 15% | $27,600 | 20 yr | $43,630 |
| NH credit union loan | 6.99% | 0% | $24,000 | 15 yr | $38,890 |
| Cash purchase | N/A | 0% | $24,000 | N/A | $24,000 |
Based on a $24,000 (8 kW) NH system at $3.03/W. Actual rates vary by lender and credit score. Payments do not include net metering savings.
Trust but verify. These free resources let you independently confirm everything a New Hampshire solar company tells you.
Verify electrician licenses for solar installers
Visit resource →Net metering rules, utility interconnection, and solar complaints
Visit resource →File complaints about deceptive solar sales practices
Visit resource →Check company ratings, reviews, and complaint history
Visit resource →Before signing anything, make sure the contract covers every item on this list. Missing items are a red flag — especially NEM 2.0 rate accuracy and permit responsibility.
Solar leases and PPAs are relevant in New Hampshire because they allow the third-party owner to claim the commercial ITC that homeowners cannot. Here is the honest breakdown.
Bottom line: A solar PPA or lease is not inherently a red flag in NH. It is a legitimate financing structure where the third-party owner benefits from the commercial ITC and passes savings to you. The red flag is when a company confuses you about who receives the tax credit. If they say you will claim 30% on your taxes through a lease, that is false. The leasing company claims it.
Here is what honest pricing looks like in NH — with no phantom tax credits or nonexistent state rebates inflating the savings.
Average Cost per Watt
$3.03/W
Installed, before incentives
Typical 8 kW System
$24,000 - $25,000
No federal credit, no state rebate
Payback Period
~9.5 Years
With NEM 2.0 + no sales tax
Net Metering (NEM 2.0)
~85% of retail, locked through 2041
~$2,040/yr (8 kW, Eversource)
No Sales Tax
NH has no state sales tax
Automatic — no paperwork needed
Property Tax Exemption
RSA 72:62 (if town adopted)
~$584/yr saved (~66% of towns)
CPCNH Community Power
40%+ of NH customers
Competitive supply rates
Eversource NH Rate
~$0.25/kWh (and rising)
Higher rates = faster payback
NEM 2.0 Stability
Locked through 2041
Long-term certainty for ROI
New Hampshire has consumer protection laws that cover solar sales. If you encounter a dishonest solar company, these agencies can help.
Oversees solar interconnection, net metering rules, and utility rate cases in New Hampshire.
Phone: 603-271-2431
Handles consumer complaints, enforces RSA 358-A (NH Consumer Protection Act), and investigates deceptive trade practices.
Phone: 1-888-468-4454
Verifies electrician licenses. Solar installers in NH must hold a valid electrician license through the OPLC.
Web: oplc.nh.gov
NH Consumer Protection Act (RSA 358-A)
Under NH law, misrepresenting the federal tax credit or a nonexistent state rebate to sell solar constitutes a deceptive trade practice under RSA 358-A. Homeowners who were deceived may be entitled to actual damages, reasonable attorney fees, and costs. If a company told you that you would receive a 30% federal tax credit or an NH state rebate on a 2026 purchase, consult an attorney.
Had a consultation with a NH solar company? Answer these questions to assess their trustworthiness. Your risk score updates in real time.
Answer each question based on your experience with a solar company. Your risk assessment updates in real time.
Did the company tell you that you will receive a 30% federal tax credit on your solar purchase?
Did they mention a New Hampshire state solar rebate or incentive check you will receive?
Did they promise you will get full 1:1 retail credit for all your excess solar energy?
Did they describe the solar system as "free" without clearly explaining it is a lease or PPA?
Did they pressure you to sign today or within 24-48 hours, claiming a deadline or limited-time offer?
Did they guarantee you a property tax exemption for your solar panels?
Did their production estimate seem unusually high (above 1,300 kWh per kW per year)?
Did they claim to be "approved by NHSaves" or "working with NHSaves" for your solar installation?
Were they unable to provide their NH electrician license number or state registration?
Is the company name on the contract different from the crew that will install the system?
Understanding the history helps you recognize when an NH company is referencing outdated information versus deliberately misleading you.
2006-2019
Section 25D at 30%
The residential ITC was established at 30% with multiple extensions. This is the era most sales materials still reference.
2020-2022
Scheduled step-down to 26%
The ITC began its original phase-out schedule before the IRA intervened.
Aug 2022
IRA restores 30% through 2032
The Inflation Reduction Act extended the 30% residential ITC through 2032. Many NH companies updated their marketing.
2024
NH SB 303 repeals state solar rebate
New Hampshire eliminated its state solar rebate program. No replacement was enacted. NH homeowners lost their only state-level cash incentive.
Jul 4, 2025
OBBBA signed into law
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act repealed the IRA's residential clean energy credits, including Section 25D.
Dec 31, 2025
Section 25D expires
The residential solar ITC officially expired. NH homeowners purchasing with cash or loan receive $0 in federal tax credits.
Jul 4, 2026
Section 48/48E construction deadline
Third-party owners (PPA/lease companies) must begin construction before this date to claim the commercial ITC. Does not affect homeowner cash/loan purchases.
Print this list or save it on your phone. Ask every company every question. Compare the answers.
Does your quote include any federal residential tax credit or NH state rebate?
Good: No. Section 25D expired December 31, 2025. NH repealed its state rebate in 2024.
Red flag: Yes, you'll get 30% back / Yes, there's an NH rebate.
What net metering rate are you using — full retail or NEM 2.0?
Good: NEM 2.0 at ~85% of retail (100% supply + 100% transmission + 25% distribution).
Red flag: Full retail / 1:1 credit for all excess.
What is the cash price of my system?
Good: Clear number, matches system size at ~$3.03/W.
Red flag: We only offer financed pricing.
Has my town adopted RSA 72:62 for the property tax exemption?
Good: Let me verify with your town assessor. [Town name] has/has not adopted it.
Red flag: Yes, all NH towns have it. / What is RSA 72:62?
What is your NH electrician license number?
Good: Provides number immediately. Verifiable at oplc.nh.gov.
Red flag: We're licensed in [other state] / We're applying.
What production estimate (kWh/kW/year) are you using for my system?
Good: 1,200-1,300 kWh/kW from PVWatts or Aurora with your address.
Red flag: 1,400+ kWh/kW / National average / Not sure.
Are there dealer fees in the loan? What percentage?
Good: Yes, X%. Here is the breakdown.
Red flag: No / What are dealer fees? / Evasion.
Will your own employees install the system, or do you subcontract?
Good: Our W-2 crews install. Here is their NH license.
Red flag: We use independent contractors / Can't say.
What happens if I want to cancel after signing?
Good: 3-business-day cancellation right (FTC Cooling-Off Rule). Full refund of deposit.
Red flag: Non-refundable deposit / No cooling-off period.
What warranty coverage do you provide?
Good: 25-year panel, 25-year microinverter, 10-25 year workmanship.
Red flag: Vague answers / Only manufacturer warranty / No workmanship warranty.
Ask them: "Under which section of the Internal Revenue Code does the residential solar tax credit exist in 2026?" The correct answer is that it does not exist. Section 25D expired on December 31, 2025 under the OBBBA. Any company advertising a 30% residential tax credit in 2026 is either uninformed or deliberately misleading you. The only remaining federal solar credit is Section 48/48E for commercial and third-party system owners (PPA/lease providers), which the homeowner does not claim.
Yes. The residential solar investment tax credit (Section 25D) was eliminated by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed into law on July 4, 2025. It expired December 31, 2025. Homeowners who purchase solar with cash or a loan receive $0 in federal tax credits. Section 48/48E still exists for commercial and third-party ownership structures (PPAs and leases), but the credit goes to the system owner, not the homeowner.
No. New Hampshire eliminated its state solar rebate program when SB 303 was signed into law in 2024. There is NO state rebate, incentive check, or direct cash incentive for residential solar in NH in 2026. Any company referencing an NH state solar rebate is either using outdated information or being deliberately deceptive. The only NH incentives are net metering (NEM 2.0 at ~85% of retail), local property tax exemptions (RSA 72:62, adopted by ~66% of towns), and no sales tax (NH has no state sales tax).
Ask these five questions: (1) What is the cash price of my system without any federal tax credit or state rebate? (2) What net metering rate are you using in your savings projection — is it full retail or NEM 2.0 (~85%)? (3) What is your NH electrician license number? (4) Can you provide five local NH references? (5) Has my town adopted RSA 72:62 for the property tax exemption? Any hesitation or evasion on these questions is a red flag.
New Hampshire requires electricians to hold a valid license from the NH Electricians Board. You can verify licenses through the NH Office of Professional Licensure and Certification at oplc.nh.gov. Also check Better Business Bureau ratings, and search for complaints with the NH Attorney General Consumer Protection Bureau.
A legitimate NH solar quote should include: (1) Cash price before any incentives — there is no federal credit and no state rebate. (2) System size in kW and estimated annual production in kWh (realistic: 1,200-1,300 kWh/kW/yr). (3) Panel brand, model, and warranty details. (4) Inverter type and warranty. (5) Net metering savings based on NEM 2.0 (~85% of retail), not 1:1. (6) Whether your town has adopted RSA 72:62 for property tax exemption. (7) Total payback period (realistic: ~9.5 years). (8) Financing terms with APR and total cost. If the quote shows a 30% ITC or state rebate line item, the company is not being honest.
Yes, solar leases and PPAs are still legitimate in 2026. The third-party system owner can claim the Section 48/48E commercial ITC of up to 30% on projects beginning construction before July 4, 2026. The company passes some savings to you through a below-retail electricity rate. The key: you do not own the system, you do not receive net metering credits directly, and you cannot claim any tax credits yourself. Legitimate lease/PPA companies will explain this clearly.
Solar panels in New Hampshire cost approximately $3.03 per watt installed in 2026. A typical 8 kW system costs $24,000-$25,000. There is no federal residential tax credit and no state rebate to reduce these costs. NH incentives include net metering (NEM 2.0 at ~85% of retail, locked through 2041), no state sales tax (NH has no sales tax), and local property tax exemptions (RSA 72:62, if your town adopted it). Payback is approximately 9.5 years.
NH net metering (NEM 2.0) is NOT 1:1. You receive credits for 100% of the supply component, 100% of transmission, and only 25% of distribution charges. This works out to approximately 85% of the full retail rate. The NEM 2.0 rates are locked through 2041 by the NH PUC. Any solar company that promises full 1:1 retail net metering credits is overstating your savings by approximately 15%.
Yes. File a complaint with the NH Attorney General Consumer Protection Bureau at 1-888-468-4454 or online at doj.nh.gov/consumer. You can also report to the NH Public Utilities Commission (603-271-2431) for interconnection issues and the NH Electricians Board for licensing violations. If a company misrepresented the federal tax credit or a nonexistent state rebate, that may constitute fraud under NH Consumer Protection Act (RSA 358-A).
Complete overview of solar in New Hampshire after the ITC and state rebate elimination.
Read guideCity-by-city pricing breakdown with accurate 2026 data for NH.
Read guideHow NEM 2.0 works: ~85% of retail, locked through 2041.
Read guideCompare NH utility rates and their impact on solar ROI.
Read guideCompare all financing options with honest 2026 numbers for NH.
Read guideIs solar still worth it in NH without the federal ITC? The data says yes.
Read guideNo phantom tax credits. No fake state rebates. No inflated production estimates. Just honest pricing with NEM 2.0 savings, property tax verification, and every NH benefit calculated accurately.