Loading NuWatt Energy...
We use your location to provide localized solar offers and incentives.
We serve MA, NH, CT, RI, ME, VT, NJ, PA, and TX
Loading NuWatt Energy...
The federal residential tax credit is gone and the state rebate was repealed, but New Hampshire still offers NEM 2.0 credits locked through 2041, property tax exemptions, zero sales tax, and a new battery rebate. Here is every incentive available to NH homeowners right now.
~85%
NEM 2.0 Credits
$0.27/kWh
Avg Electric Rate
$3.03/W
Avg Cost/Watt
~9.5 yrs
Avg Payback
New Hampshire homeowners no longer receive a federal solar tax credit (Section 25D expired Dec 31, 2025) and the state rebate was repealed by SB 303 in 2024. However, NH still offers NEM 2.0 net metering at ~85% of retail (~$0.23/kWh, locked through 2041), property tax exemption under RSA 72:62 in ~66% of towns (~$584/yr savings), no state sales tax on anything including solar, and the new Eversource battery rebate at $230/kWh (cap $3,000). For a typical 8 kW system at $3.03/W ($24,240), these incentives combine for payback in approximately 9.5 years with $55,000+ in lifetime savings.
A quick visual overview of every New Hampshire solar incentive — what is active, what has a deadline, and what is gone.
~$0.23/kWh
Credits = 100% supply + 100% transmission + 25% distribution. Locked through 2041 by PUC order.
~$2,030/yr (8 kW)
100% exempt
Local option — ~153 towns (~66%) have adopted RSA 72:62. Solar value excluded from property tax assessment.
~$584/yr where adopted
$230/kWh
New Eversource NH program for residential battery storage. $230/kWh capped at $3,000 per system.
Up to $3,000
0% always
New Hampshire has no state sales tax at all. Solar equipment, labor, batteries — all tax-free automatically.
Built-in advantage
30%+ ITC
Third-party system owners (lease/PPA companies) claim 30% commercial ITC on projects before July 4, 2026.
Lower PPA/lease rate
$0
Expired December 31, 2025. No federal credit for homeowner cash or loan purchases.
$0
New Hampshire repealed the state solar rebate program via SB 303 in 2024. No upfront state rebate available.
New Hampshire homeowners face a double hit in 2026: the federal residential ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025, and the state solar rebate was repealed by SB 303 in 2024. On a $24,240 system, the lost federal credit alone is $7,272.
But here is what most solar guides miss: New Hampshire's solar economics are driven by high electricity rates and long-term rate certainty, not rebates. At $0.27/kWh average, NH electricity costs nearly 70% more than the national average. NEM 2.0 credits are locked through 2041, giving homeowners 15+ years of guaranteed savings. And NH has no state sales tax at all — an automatic advantage over every neighboring state.
The result: NH's ~9.5-year payback is actually one of the best in the Northeast, despite having fewer explicit incentive programs than states like Connecticut or Massachusetts. The math works because the underlying economics — high rates, locked NEM credits, and no tax overhead — are structurally strong.
Any solar company telling you the "30% federal tax credit is still available" for homeowner-owned systems is either uninformed or deliberately misleading you. Section 25D expired on December 31, 2025. If a solar salesperson claims otherwise, walk away.
Exception: Section 48/48E commercial credits are still available for third-party system owners (solar lease and PPA companies) on projects beginning construction before July 4, 2026. The homeowner does not claim this credit directly — the financing company does, and passes savings through as a lower rate.
NH electricity averages $0.27/kWh — 70% above the national average. Every kWh your panels produce offsets expensive grid power. An 8 kW system producing ~9,400 kWh/yr saves ~$2,030/year in NEM credits alone.
NH PUC locked NEM 2.0 credit rates through 2041. This 15+ year certainty is rare nationally. Your solar investment has predictable returns regardless of future policy changes.
NH has no state sales tax. Period. While CT saves 6.35% and MA saves 6.25% through exemptions, NH homeowners never pay sales tax on anything. That is a permanent, automatic advantage.
Important: NH net metering is NOT 1:1 retail
Many solar websites incorrectly state NH offers "full retail" net metering. The actual NEM 2.0 formula credits 100% of supply + 100% of transmission + 25% of distribution, which works out to approximately 85% of the full retail rate. This is still very good, but you should know the real numbers.
New Hampshire's NEM 2.0 was established by the PUC in 2017 and provides long-term credit certainty for solar homeowners. The credit structure is locked through 2041, making it one of the most stable net metering policies in the country.
100%
Supply charge credited
100%
Transmission charge credited
25%
Distribution charge credited
Result: ~85% of full retail rate = approximately $0.23/kWh on average across all NH utilities. Credits roll over monthly with an annual true-up in March.
Based on ~1,175 kWh/kW/yr production and ~$0.23/kWh NEM 2.0 credit rate.
Before your solar system can feed power to the grid, your utility must approve interconnection:
Application
Day 1
Installer submits interconnection application
Review
2-4 weeks
Utility reviews system specs
Installation
1-3 days
System installed and inspected
PTO
2-4 weeks
Permission to operate granted
Total timeline: 4-8 weeks from application to PTO. NuWatt handles all paperwork.
Under RSA 72:62, New Hampshire towns can vote to exempt solar energy systems from local property tax assessment. Unlike states like Connecticut or Massachusetts where the exemption is statewide and automatic, NH leaves this to individual municipalities. The good news: approximately 153 towns (~66%) have already adopted it.
~153 of NH's ~234 municipalities have adopted RSA 72:62. Major cities and towns that have adopted it include Manchester, Nashua, Concord, Portsmouth, Dover, Keene, Laconia, and most of the Seacoast region.
How to check: Contact your town clerk or assessor's office, or search your town's RSA 72:62 adoption status on the NH DRA website.
Solar typically adds $15,000-$25,000 to home market value. At NH's average effective property tax rate (~$23 per $1,000 assessed), a $20,000 value increase would cost approximately $460/year without the exemption. Most towns with RSA 72:62 see savings of ~$584/year due to above-average mill rates in solar-adopting towns.
25-year value: ~$584/yr x 25 years = ~$14,600 in avoided property taxes
Approximately 34% of NH towns have not yet adopted the exemption. If yours is one of them:
New Hampshire is one of only five US states with no state sales tax at all. This applies to everything, including solar panels, inverters, batteries, and installation labor. There is no exemption to apply for because there is no tax to exempt.
While neighboring states need special solar sales tax exemptions (CT 6.35%, MA 6.25%, ME 5.5%, VT 6%), NH homeowners automatically pay $0 in sales tax on their solar purchase.
Example: 8 kW system at $3.03/W = $24,240. In a state with 6% sales tax and no exemption, you would pay $1,454 extra. In NH, you pay $0.
Neighboring states exempt solar from sales tax, but NH's zero-tax structure is permanent and covers all purchases.
Eversource NH launched a new residential battery storage rebate program. This is a meaningful incentive for homeowners adding batteries alongside solar for backup power and self-consumption optimization.
$230
Per kWh of capacity
$3,000
Maximum rebate
~13 kWh
Needed to max out
While homeowners can no longer claim a federal tax credit on purchased solar systems, there is a narrow window where leases and PPAs retain a federal advantage.
Deadline: July 4, 2026 — Projects must begin construction before this date
After July 4, 2026, the Section 48/48E commercial ITC will no longer be available for new residential solar projects. Lease/PPA prices will likely increase.
A PPA lets you buy solar electricity at a fixed rate lower than your utility rate:
| Factor | Buy (Cash or Loan) | Lease/PPA |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | $0 (with loan) | $0 |
| Monthly payment | ~$211-$237/mo | ~$90-$130/mo |
| You own system? | Yes | No |
| 25-year savings | $45K-$55K+ | $12K-$20K |
| Federal credit | None (25D expired) | 48/48E to owner |
| Property value | +$15K-$25K | Minimal/complex |
| Property tax exempt | Yes (in ~66% of towns) | Varies |
| Maintenance | Your responsibility | Company handles |
New Hampshire has four major electric utilities. All participate in NEM 2.0, but rates and programs differ.
| Feature | Eversource | Liberty | Unitil | NHEC |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Market Share | ~71% | ~6% | ~11% | ~12% |
| Avg Rate | $0.25/kWh | $0.24/kWh | $0.26/kWh | $0.22/kWh |
| NEM 2.0 | Yes (~85%) | Yes (~85%) | Yes (~85%) | Yes (~85%) |
| Battery Rebate | $230/kWh (cap $3K) | None | None | None |
| Territory | Southern/central NH | Salem, northern NH | Seacoast region | Rural/lakes region |
| Annual Savings (8 kW) | ~$2,000/yr | ~$1,920/yr | ~$2,080/yr | ~$1,760/yr |
Adjust system size, utility, and battery to see exactly how much New Hampshire solar incentives are worth for your home. All calculations use verified 2026 NEM 2.0 rates.
See how New Hampshire incentives combine — honest numbers, no ITC
First-Year Savings
$2,726
NEM + property tax
25-Year Net Savings
$64,386
after $24,240 system cost
Payback Period
8.9 years
then pure savings
25-Year Savings Breakdown
Why NEM credits are ~85%, not 100%
NH NEM 2.0 credits cover 100% of supply + 100% of transmission, but only 25% of distribution charges. For Eversource, that works out to ~$0.21/kWh (84% of the $0.25/kWh retail rate). These terms are locked through January 1, 2041 under Docket DE 16-576.
Estimates based on NH averages ($3.03/W, 1,175 peak sun hours/yr, 2.5% annual rate escalation). Actual values depend on system design, shading, and utility rate changes. Federal residential ITC (Section 25D) expired Dec 31, 2025 — no federal credit is included. NH state solar rebate was repealed by SB 303 (2024).
Transparency matters. Here are the solar programs and incentives that New Hampshire does not currently offer. If a solar company tells you otherwise, that is a red flag.
Section 25D expired December 31, 2025. Homeowners who buy with cash or loan get $0 in federal credits.
The NH state solar rebate was repealed by SB 303 in 2024. No upfront state rebate is available.
NH does not have an SREC program like NJ or a production incentive like MA (SMART) or RI (REG). Savings come from offsetting utility purchases via NEM 2.0.
RSA 72:62 is local option only. ~34% of towns have NOT adopted it. Check your town before assuming you are exempt.
NH has no state income tax on wages (only on interest/dividends, phasing out). No solar income tax credit exists.
NEM 2.0 credits ~85% of retail, not full 1:1. Any company promising full retail credits in NH is misinforming you.
New Hampshire's solar incentive landscape is thinner than neighboring states like Connecticut or Massachusetts. But NH compensates with structural advantages: no sales tax, high electricity rates ($0.27/kWh), and NEM 2.0 locked through 2041. The result is a ~9.5-year payback that actually beats many states with more programs. Solar panels last 25+ years, meaning you get 15+ years of near-free electricity after breakeven.
New Hampshire has fewer explicit programs but competitive economics thanks to structural advantages.
| State | Avg Rate | Sales Tax | Property Tax | Net Metering | Special Program | Payback |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire | $0.27 | No sales tax | Local option (~66%) | ~85% retail (NEM 2.0) | Eversource battery $230/kWh | ~9.5 years |
| Massachusetts | $0.28-$0.32 | 100% exempt | 100% exempt | ~60% NEM 3.0 | SMART $0.03/kWh | 12-14 years |
| Maine | $0.27-$0.32 | 100% exempt | 100% exempt | Full retail (rooftop) | Efficiency ME rebates | 12-17 years |
| Vermont | $0.21 | 100% exempt | 100% exempt | Full retail | None major | 14-16 years |
New Hampshire's solar policy has evolved steadily, with NEM 2.0 providing long-term stability.
NH establishes net metering for residential solar under RSA 362-A.
NEM cap raised to 100 MW statewide. Solar adoption accelerates.
NH PUC creates NEM 2.0 — credits at ~85% of retail (100% supply + 100% transmission + 25% distribution).
System size cap raised to 5 MW for group net metering.
Community Power Coalition of NH (CPCNH) formed — 40%+ of customers join competitive supply.
SB 303 repeals the state solar rebate program. NEM 2.0 rates locked through 2041.
Federal residential ITC (Section 25D) expires December 31. Eversource launches battery rebate.
NH relies on NEM 2.0, property tax exemption, no sales tax, and battery rebates. Section 48 deadline: July 4.
Common questions about New Hampshire solar incentives in 2026.
No. The federal residential solar tax credit (Section 25D) expired on December 31, 2025. New Hampshire homeowners who purchase solar panels with cash or a loan receive $0 in federal tax credits. However, if you go solar through a lease or PPA, the third-party system owner may still claim Section 48/48E credits through July 4, 2026, which can translate to lower pricing for you.
New Hampshire offers NEM 2.0 net metering credits at ~85% of retail rate (~$0.23/kWh), locked through 2041. The RSA 72:62 property tax exemption is available in ~153 towns (~66% of NH). There is no state sales tax at all, so solar equipment is always tax-free. Eversource NH offers a new battery rebate at $230/kWh (cap $3,000). Section 48/48E is available for lease/PPA through July 4, 2026.
NH uses NEM 2.0, which is NOT 1:1 retail. Credits equal 100% of the supply charge + 100% of transmission + 25% of distribution, working out to approximately 85% of the full retail rate (~$0.23/kWh on average). Credits roll over monthly with an annual true-up. This rate structure is locked through 2041 by PUC order, giving long-term certainty.
Yes, but it is a local option. Under RSA 72:62, individual towns vote to exempt solar energy systems from property tax assessment. As of 2026, approximately 153 towns (~66% of NH municipalities) have adopted this exemption. Check with your town clerk or assessor to confirm your town participates. Where adopted, solar value is 100% excluded from your property tax bill.
No. The NH state solar rebate program was repealed by SB 303 in 2024. There is no upfront state rebate for residential solar installations. If a solar company promises you a state rebate in New Hampshire, that is a red flag.
The average cost of solar in New Hampshire is $3.03 per watt before incentives. A typical 8 kW system costs approximately $24,240. With no sales tax (NH has no state sales tax) and property tax exemption savings of ~$584/year where adopted, plus NEM 2.0 credits of ~$2,030/year, most NH homeowners see payback in approximately 9.5 years for a cash purchase.
Eversource NH offers a battery storage rebate of $230 per kWh of capacity, capped at $3,000 per system. For a typical 13.5 kWh battery (like a Tesla Powerwall 3), that is approximately $3,000. This program helps offset the cost of backup power and can be paired with solar to maximize self-consumption and provide outage protection.
Both options have merit. Purchasing (cash or loan) gives you full ownership, the property tax exemption benefit, and maximum long-term savings (~$55,000+ over 25 years). A lease or PPA offers $0 down because the third-party owner can claim federal Section 48 credits (30%) through July 4, 2026. After that deadline, lease/PPA pricing may increase as the commercial ITC disappears.
Without the federal ITC, the average solar payback period in NH is approximately 9.5 years for a cash purchase. NH has relatively high electricity rates ($0.27/kWh average), NEM 2.0 credits locked through 2041, no state sales tax, and property tax exemptions in most towns. Panels last 25+ years, meaning you get 15+ years of near-free electricity after breakeven.
CPCNH is a municipal aggregation program where towns collectively negotiate electricity supply rates. Over 40% of NH electricity customers now participate. CPCNH rates are often competitive with or lower than default utility supply rates. Solar homeowners in CPCNH towns still receive NEM 2.0 credits on their exported power, and the competitive supply rate means you may pay less for any grid power you do consume.
NH Energy Hub
All NH solar & heat pump guides
NH Solar Guide
Complete overview of NH solar
NH Solar Cost 2026
Pricing breakdown by city
Solar Without the ITC
Is it still worth it in NH?
NH Net Metering Guide
NEM 2.0 explained in detail
NH Solar Tax Benefits
RSA 72:62 & no sales tax
Buy vs Lease vs PPA
Best financing for NH
Utility Rate Comparison
Side-by-side rate analysis
NH Community Solar
CPCNH & group net metering
NH Commercial Solar
Section 48 for businesses
Solar + Heat Pump NH
Electrify your home
Manchester Solar Cost
Manchester-specific pricing
Nashua Solar Cost
Nashua-specific pricing
Portsmouth Solar Cost
Portsmouth-specific pricing
Get a Quote
Free NH solar quote in 2 minutes
Get a free, no-pressure solar quote from NuWatt Energy. We will show you exactly which NH incentives apply to your home, your utility, and your budget — with honest numbers and no phantom tax credits.
Section 48 lease/PPA deadline: July 4, 2026. NEM 2.0 credits locked through 2041.