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The federal tax credit is gone for homeowners. Here is every incentive that still exists in New Hampshire, what solar actually costs, and whether it still makes financial sense — with real data, not marketing spin.
Important: The 30% federal solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Many websites still advertise this credit. Homeowners who buy solar with cash or a loan in 2026 receive $0 in federal tax credits. This guide reflects accurate 2026 incentives only. Learn what happened
Without the federal tax credit and with no state rebate program, a typical 10.49kW solar system in New Hampshire pays for itself in approximately 12.7 years and saves $48,509 over 25 years. That is honest — NH has the longest payback in New England. But NH also has the highest net metering cap (100kW), no sales tax, and electricity rates averaging $0.22/kWh that are rising 4% annually. Solar locks in your rate for 25 years, protecting you from decades of utility price increases.
Avg. System Cost
$33,358
10.49kW system
Payback Period
12.7 years
Cash purchase
25-Year Savings
$48,509
Vs. utility bills
Electricity Rate
$0.22/kWh
Rising 4%/year
The federal credit is gone, and NH has no state solar rebate. But net metering with a 100kW cap, no sales tax, and property tax exemptions still make solar a solid investment. Here is every program available in 2026 — and what is not.
1:1 retail rate credit, 100kW cap
All three NH investor-owned utilities (Eversource NH, Liberty Utilities, Unitil NH) credit exported solar at the full retail rate. The 100kW residential cap is the highest in New England, making NH excellent for larger homes and properties.
Varies by town (RSA 72:62)
Under RSA 72:62, New Hampshire towns can vote to exempt solar installations from property tax. Many towns have adopted this exemption. Check with your local assessor to confirm your town participates.
0% — NH has no state sales tax
New Hampshire has no state sales tax (0%), so solar purchases are automatically exempt. This saves approximately $2,000 compared to neighboring states with 5–6.25% sales tax.
$0 — Expired Dec 31, 2025
Section 25D expired under the OBBBA (signed July 4, 2025). Homeowners who purchase solar with cash or a loan receive zero federal tax credit. Third-party owned systems (lease/PPA) still qualify for 30% under Section 48/48E.
No state solar rebate program
Unlike Massachusetts (SMART) or Connecticut (Energize CT), New Hampshire does not offer a state solar rebate or performance-based incentive. Net metering is the primary financial driver for NH solar.
Up to $8,000 — PENDING
The Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates (HEAR) program could provide up to $8,000 for income-qualified households. However, New Hampshire has NOT yet launched this program — it is still pending DOE approval. Do not rely on this rebate when evaluating solar in 2026.
Key Insight for 2026
Lease and PPA options are more attractive in 2026 than ever before. Because the third-party system owner can still claim the 30% commercial ITC (Section 48/48E), they pass savings to you through lower monthly payments — effectively giving you access to a tax credit that homeowners can no longer claim directly. This is especially important in NH where there is no state rebate to offset costs. Compare lease vs. buy in 2026
Real pricing data from EnergySage marketplace and NuWatt installations. No inflated numbers, no hidden costs.
NH Average (EnergySage)
$3.18/watt
Before incentives, fully installed
NuWatt Pricing
$3.25/watt
Volume discounts for larger systems
Typical 10.49kW System
$33,358
Range: $27,100–$39,600
Based on $3.18/W average. Prices before incentives.
| System Size | Panels (~400W) | Total Cost | Annual Production | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5 kW | 13 | $15,900 | 4,650 kWh | $1,023 |
| 7 kW | 18 | $22,260 | 6,510 kWh | $1,432 |
| 9 kW | 23 | $28,620 | 8,370 kWh | $1,841 |
| 10.49 kWNH Average | 27 | $33,358 | 9,761 kWh | $2,147 |
| 13 kW | 33 | $41,340 | 12,090 kWh | $2,660 |
| 15 kW | 38 | $47,700 | 13,950 kWh | $3,069 |
Annual savings based on $0.22/kWh retail rate. Production calculated at 4.3 peak sun hours/day. Actual production varies by roof orientation, shading, and panel efficiency.
Unlike Massachusetts (which has the SMART program) or Connecticut (which has Energize CT rebates), New Hampshire relies on net metering as its primary solar driver. The good news: NH has the most generous net metering cap in all of New England.
The highest residential net metering cap in New England. MA and CT cap at 25kW. NH allows systems 4x larger.
Every kWh you export earns a full retail rate credit — dollar for dollar. No reduced rate for exports.
Excess credits roll over month to month. Build up credits in summer, use them in winter when production is lower.
Credits reset annually (April for Eversource, March for Liberty/Unitil). Excess credits are forfeited — size your system to match annual usage.
| Feature | New Hampshire | Massachusetts | Connecticut |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Cap | 100 kW | 25 kW | 25 kW |
| Credit Rate | 100% retail | 100% retail | 100% retail |
| State Rebate | None | SMART $0.03/kWh | Energize CT |
| Sales Tax on Solar | 0% (no state sales tax) | Exempt | Exempt |
| Avg. Electricity Rate | $0.22/kWh | $0.30/kWh | $0.28/kWh |
NH wins on net metering cap (4x higher than MA/CT) and has no sales tax. But the lack of a state rebate program and lower electricity rates result in a longer payback period.
NHSaves Energy Efficiency Programs
While NHSaves does not offer solar-specific rebates, their energy efficiency programs (insulation, air sealing, heat pumps) can reduce your electricity usage, allowing a smaller and less expensive solar system to cover more of your needs. Pairing efficiency upgrades with solar maximizes your savings.
New Hampshire has three investor-owned utilities plus five municipal utilities. All IOUs offer identical net metering terms. The difference comes down to rates and minimum bills.
| Feature | Eversource NH | Liberty Utilities | Unitil NH |
|---|---|---|---|
| Retail Rate | $0.22/kWh | $0.20/kWh | $0.22/kWh |
| Net Metering Credit | 100% retail | 100% retail | 100% retail |
| Residential Cap | 100 kW | 100 kW | 100 kW |
| Monthly Bill w/Solar (8kW) | $18 | $17 | $18 |
| Monthly Savings | $202/mo | $183/mo | $202/mo |
| Annual Savings | $2,420 | $2,200 | $2,420 |
| Annual True-Up | April | March | March |
| Minimum Bill | $7/mo | $12/mo | $8/mo |
| Time-of-Use Option |
Data: 2026 tariff schedules. Bill examples assume 900 kWh/month usage, 8kW solar system generating 700 kWh/month.
Municipal Utilities
Five NH towns operate their own municipal utilities: Ashland, New Hampton, Littleton, Wolfeboro, and Woodsville. Municipal utilities offer net metering but typically have no additional solar rebates. Contact your municipal utility directly for specific net metering terms and interconnection requirements.
Bottom line: Eversource NH and Unitil NH customers see slightly higher savings ($202/mo) than Liberty Utilities customers ($183/mo) because of higher retail rates. Liberty Utilities does offer a time-of-use rate option that battery owners can leverage for additional savings through peak/off-peak arbitrage.
New Hampshire has one of the best net metering policies in the country. All three investor-owned utilities credit solar exports at 100% of the retail rate — dollar for dollar — with a 100kW residential cap.
Your solar panels produce electricity during daylight hours. Typical NH system: 8,000–11,000 kWh/year at 4.3 peak sun hours/day.
Your home uses solar power first. Any excess goes to the grid through your bidirectional smart meter.
Exported kWh earn a credit at 100% retail rate. Credits roll over monthly and true up annually (April or March depending on utility).
100kW Residential Cap — Highest in NE
New Hampshire allows residential net metering up to 100kW — four times higher than MA and CT (25kW). This is ideal for larger homes, farms, and rural properties with high electricity usage.
Size to Match Annual Usage
Excess credits at the annual true-up are forfeited (no cash payout). Design your system to produce approximately what you consume annually to maximize value.
Annual True-Up Timing
Eversource NH resets credits in April. Liberty Utilities and Unitil NH reset in March. Plan your installation timing to maximize credit carryover through winter months.
No Interconnection Fee for Small Systems
Residential systems under 100kW typically have minimal or no interconnection fees with NH utilities, keeping upfront costs lower.
With the federal ITC gone for homeowners and no state rebate, financing dynamics have shifted. Lease and PPA are more competitive because the third-party owner still captures the 30% commercial ITC — especially important in NH where the cash payback is 12.7 years.
Maximum long-term savings
Monthly Cost
$0/mo after payback
Payback
12.7 years
25-Year Savings
$48,509
Federal ITC Access
No federal credit
Highest lifetime ROI
No interest payments
Full ownership from day 1
$27,100–$39,600 upfront
No federal credit in 2026
Longer payback than MA/CT
$0 down with ownership
Monthly Cost
$130–$210/mo
Payback
13–15 years (with loan payments)
25-Year Savings
$35,000–$42,000
Federal ITC Access
No federal credit
$0 down available
You own the system
Rising rates help offset payments
Interest adds to total cost
No federal credit for homeowner loans
Guaranteed savings, no upfront cost
Monthly Cost
$70–$130/mo
Payback
Savings from month 1
25-Year Savings
$20,000–$35,000
Federal ITC Access
30% ITC claimed by lessor
$0 down
Maintenance included
Lower payment because lessor captures 30% ITC
Less total savings vs. ownership
Lease escalator (1–3%/yr)
Lowest possible rate lock
Monthly Cost
Pay per kWh generated
Payback
Savings from month 1
25-Year Savings
$18,000–$30,000
Federal ITC Access
30% ITC claimed by provider
$0 down
Pay only for power produced
Rate lower than utility
Least total savings
Long-term contract (20–25 years)
Unlike Massachusetts, New Hampshire does not have a ConnectedSolutions demand response program or a state battery incentive. The primary value of a battery in NH is backup power and potential time-of-use savings with Liberty Utilities.
NH experiences Nor'easters and ice storms that cause extended outages. A typical 10kWh battery provides 8–12 hours of backup for essential loads (fridge, lights, internet, sump pump, well pump).
Liberty Utilities offers a time-of-use rate option. Battery owners can charge during off-peak hours and discharge during peak hours, capturing the rate differential. This can add $150–$300/year in additional savings.
With solar and a battery, you can store excess daytime generation for evening use, reducing your reliance on the grid and maximizing self-consumption of your solar power.
Battery Cost
—
Lifetime: $8,500–$12,500
TOU Savings (Liberty)
$150–$300
Lifetime: $3,000–$6,000
Self-Consumption Gain
$100–$200
Lifetime: $2,500–$5,000
Outage Protection
Priceless
Lifetime: Peace of mind
Without ConnectedSolutions or a state battery incentive, a battery in NH is harder to justify on pure economics. The primary value is backup power for outage-prone areas and energy independence. Consider a battery if you have a well pump, medical equipment, or work from home.
Year-by-year financial projection for a typical 10.49kW system in New Hampshire. Cash purchase, no federal credit, net metering only (no state rebate).
| Year | Electricity Rate | Annual Savings | Cumulative Net | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | $0.22/kWh | ~$2,750 | $-30,608 | Paying off |
| Year 3 | $0.24/kWh | ~$2,970 | $-25,038 | Paying off |
| Year 5 | $0.26/kWh | ~$3,200 | $-18,300 | Paying off |
| Year 7 | $0.29/kWh | ~$3,540 | $-10,850 | Paying off |
| Year 10 | $0.33/kWh | ~$3,900 | $-2,800 | Almost there |
| Year 13Break-even | $0.37/kWh | ~$4,400 | +$4,000 | Profit! |
| Year 15 | $0.40/kWh | ~$4,800 | +$12,800 | Profit |
| Year 20 | $0.49/kWh | ~$5,850 | +$30,500 | Profit |
| Year 25 | $0.59/kWh | ~$7,100 | +$48,509 | Free power |
Assumptions: 10.49kW system at $3.18/W ($33,358), $0.22/kWh starting rate with 4% annual increase, 4.3 peak sun hours/day, 0.5% annual panel degradation, no state incentive, no federal credit.
Honest Context on NH Payback
A 12.7-year payback is the longest in New England. Massachusetts achieves ~7.8 years thanks to higher rates ($0.30/kWh) and the SMART program. Connecticut achieves ~9.5 years with Energize CT rebates. NH's advantage is the rate-lock: without solar, you would pay over $80,000 in electricity over 25 years at 4% annual increases. Solar reduces that to $33,358 — a net savings of $48,509.
New Hampshire provides two automatic tax benefits for solar owners. There is no state solar tax credit, but the property tax exemption and absence of sales tax reduce your effective cost.
Varies by Town
Under RSA 72:62, New Hampshire towns can vote to exempt solar energy systems from property tax assessment. Many towns have adopted this exemption. Where adopted, solar panels increase your home value without increasing your property taxes. Check with your local assessor to confirm your town participates.
$0 Sales Tax
New Hampshire has no state sales tax (0%). This means solar purchases are automatically tax-free. On a $33,358 system, this saves approximately $2,000 compared to Massachusetts (6.25% sales tax exemption exists but NH never charges it in the first place). This is one of NH's unique advantages — you save without having to apply for an exemption.
No State Tax Credit
Unlike Massachusetts (which offers a $1,000 state tax credit), New Hampshire does not have a state income tax credit for solar installations. NH also has no state income tax on earned wages, so a state tax credit would not apply in the traditional sense. The property tax exemption and absence of sales tax are the only tax-related benefits.
Answers to the most common questions about going solar in New Hampshire in 2026.
Yes, but expectations should be realistic. New Hampshire has lower electricity rates ($0.22/kWh average) and no state solar rebate, so the payback period is about 12.7 years — longer than Massachusetts or Connecticut. However, NH offers the highest net metering cap in New England (100kW), no sales tax, and electricity rates are rising 4% annually. Over 25 years, a typical 10.49kW system saves $48,509. Solar still makes financial sense, especially as a rate-lock against 25 years of utility price increases.
The residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired on December 31, 2025, under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) signed July 4, 2025. Homeowners who purchase solar with cash or a loan in 2026 receive $0 in federal tax credits. However, third-party owned systems (lease or PPA) still qualify for 30% under the commercial ITC (Section 48/48E), because the financing company — not the homeowner — claims the credit.
Solar panels in New Hampshire cost an average of $3.18 per watt installed (EnergySage data). For a typical 10.49kW system, that is approximately $33,358 before any incentives. NH has no state rebate to reduce this cost, but the absence of sales tax saves approximately $2,000 compared to states with sales tax. The property tax exemption (where adopted) prevents your tax bill from increasing.
Two main reasons: (1) NH electricity rates average $0.22/kWh compared to $0.28–$0.30/kWh in MA and CT, so each kWh of solar saves less money. (2) NH has no state solar rebate program — no SMART program, no Energize CT, no state tax credit. Net metering is the only significant incentive. The honest answer is that NH has the longest payback in New England at 12.7 years, but the system still saves $48,509 over 25 years, which is a strong return on investment.
Net metering allows you to send excess solar electricity to the grid and receive a bill credit at 100% of the retail rate — dollar for dollar. All three NH investor-owned utilities (Eversource NH, Liberty Utilities, Unitil NH) participate. Credits roll over monthly and are trued up annually (April for Eversource, March for Liberty/Unitil). Excess credits at true-up are forfeited with no cash payout, so you should size your system to match your annual electricity usage.
New Hampshire allows residential net metering for systems up to 100kW — by far the highest cap in New England. Massachusetts caps residential net metering at 25kW, and Connecticut at 25kW. This makes NH ideal for larger homes, rural properties, or homeowners who want to power electric vehicles, heat pumps, and pools from solar.
NH has no state solar rebate program. The primary financial incentives are: (1) 1:1 net metering with a 100kW cap, (2) property tax exemption under RSA 72:62 (varies by town), and (3) no state sales tax (0%). The federal residential ITC expired in 2025, and the HEAR rebate program has not yet launched in NH (pending DOE approval). Net metering is the main financial driver for NH solar.
Yes. When you lease solar panels or sign a PPA, a third-party company owns the system and claims the 30% commercial ITC (Section 48/48E). This credit lowers their cost, which is passed to you as a lower monthly payment. You do not claim any federal credit yourself, but you benefit from it through reduced pricing. In 2026 without the residential ITC, lease and PPA are more attractive options than before.
Modern solar panels are rated to withstand snow loads of 5,400+ pascals (over 112 lbs per square foot) and are tested for hail resistance. New Hampshire gets about 4.3 peak sun hours per day annually. Panels actually perform better in cold temperatures — a cold, sunny winter day can produce more power than a hot summer day. Most panels are warrantied for 25–30 years with guaranteed output of 80–85% at end of life.
All three NH utilities offer identical net metering terms: 1:1 retail rate credit with a 100kW cap. The difference is in rates. Eversource NH ($0.22/kWh) and Unitil NH ($0.22/kWh) have slightly higher rates than Liberty Utilities ($0.20/kWh), so solar savings are marginally higher for Eversource and Unitil customers. Liberty Utilities does offer a time-of-use rate option that battery owners can leverage for additional savings.
Under RSA 72:62, New Hampshire towns can vote to exempt solar energy systems from property tax assessment. Many towns have adopted this exemption, but it is not automatic statewide — your town must have voted to adopt it. Check with your local tax assessor to confirm. Where adopted, this means solar panels increase your home value without increasing your property tax bill.
Cash purchase offers the highest lifetime ROI ($48,509 over 25 years) but requires $27,100–$39,600 upfront and has a 12.7-year payback. Solar loans offer $0 down with ownership. Lease and PPA options are increasingly attractive in 2026 because the third-party owner captures the 30% ITC, passing savings to you through lower monthly payments. For NH homeowners who want savings without upfront cost or a long payback wait, lease or PPA is often the best 2026 option.
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Full explanation of the ITC expiration and what credits are still available.
Read moreDetailed payback analysis for every New England state.
Read moreCash, loan, lease, or PPA — which financing is best without the federal credit.
Read moreCompare with MA: SMART program, $0.30/kWh rates, 7.8-year payback.
Read moreCompare with CT: Energize CT rebates, $0.28/kWh rates, ~9.5-year payback.
Read moreCompare with RI: REG program, Clean Heat RI, and net metering details.
Read moreNew Hampshire homeowners pairing solar with heat pumps maximize savings by eliminating both electric and heating fuel bills.
NHSaves rebates, HEAR status, and all available NH heat pump incentives.
Read moreFull cost breakdown by system type, net cost after rebates, and financing options.
Read moreCompare heating costs: cold-climate heat pumps vs. oil furnaces in NH winters.
Read morePricing data: EnergySage Solar Marketplace (January 2026), NuWatt Energy internal installation data.
Utility rates: Eversource NH tariff schedule (2026), Liberty Utilities tariff schedule (2026), Unitil NH tariff schedule (2026).
Incentive data: NH Public Utilities Commission (puc.nh.gov), DSIRE database, RSA 72:62 property tax exemption statute.
Federal tax credit status: One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), signed July 4, 2025. Section 25D expired December 31, 2025.
Production data: NREL PVWatts, 4.3 peak sun hours/day (NH average), EIA state electricity data.
Payback calculations assume 4% annual utility rate increase, 0.5% annual panel degradation, 4.3 peak sun hours (NH average). No state incentive beyond net metering. No federal credit.
Last updated: February 2026.