Manchester, NH Solar Panels
Solar Power in Manchester
Manchester homeowners are discovering that solar energy isn’t just an environmental choice—it’s a smart financial decision. With New Hampshire’s electricity prices ranking 9th highest in the nation and rates jumping 23% since 2020, more residents are looking for ways to reduce their energy costs.
Whether you’re exploring solar panels for your home or ready to understand your options, this guide breaks down everything you need to know about solar installation in Manchester.
NEW HAMPSHIRE by the Numbers
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Manchester, NH?
Our calculator uses real installation data from Manchester neighborhoods like Bedford, Hooksett, and Goffstown to show you accurate solar costs. This isn’t guesswork—it’s based on actual projects we’ve completed in your area, giving you a clear picture of what to expect.
System
Cost
Savings
You can still access the solar tax credit through Palmetto. Talk to us today to find out how.
Key Takeaways
- Manchester electricity rates jumped 23% since 2020, making solar panels a smart way to lock in predictable energy costs.
- A typical Manchester home can save around $66,000 over 25 years with a solar system sized to offset their usage.
- New Hampshire offers property tax exemptions and net metering credits that help reduce your solar investment and maximize savings.
Manchester Electricity Prices
Understanding Manchester’s electricity costs is essential for homeowners planning their energy budgets. The numbers tell an important story about where rates have been—and where they’re headed.
New Hampshire electricity rates jumped from 19.9 cents per kWh in 2021 to a peak of 28.2 cents in 2023—a 42% increase in just two years. While rates eased to 23.3 cents in 2024, they remain significantly above the national average of 16.5 cents.
Solar panels generate electricity at a fixed cost, protecting Manchester homeowners from future rate volatility. Once installed, your system produces power at the same predictable rate for decades, regardless of how utility prices fluctuate in the coming years.
Over a typical 25-year system lifespan, solar can shield your household from hundreds of rate increases and market shifts. This long-term price stability helps Manchester families plan their finances with confidence while reducing their reliance on the traditional grid.
Price of Energy: New Hampshire vs National Average
Manchester Area Utility Providers
Manchester residents receive electricity primarily from Eversource, which charged 28.9¢ per kWh in 2023—nearly double the national average of 16.0¢ and slightly above New Hampshire’s state average of 28.20¢.
New Hampshire’s higher electricity costs stem from limited natural gas pipeline infrastructure and reliance on imported energy. Manchester homeowners face these regional constraints, which contribute to consistently elevated rates compared to most of the country.
When electricity costs remain high, solar panels can help stabilize your energy expenses. By generating your own power, you reduce dependence on utility rates that fluctuate with infrastructure and fuel costs.
Manchester Utilities Electricity Rates
New Hampshire Solar Incentives
Manchester, NH homeowners have access to valuable state and local programs that help reduce the upfront cost of going solar.
New Hampshire offers solar incentives in New Hampshire including property tax exemptions and net metering credits. These programs work together to improve your return on investment and shorten your payback period.
Incentive programs can change as legislation evolves. Research current offerings thoroughly and consider acting while these benefits remain available to Manchester residents.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Property Tax Exemption | State tax exemption | New Hampshire’s General Court has given authority to each city and town to exempt solar’s incremental value from property taxes | Learn More |
New Hampshire allows cities and towns to exempt the added value of solar energy systems from property tax assessments. This means that if you install solar panels on your home, your local municipality may choose not to increase your property taxes based on the added value those panels bring to your property. While solar panels typically increase your home’s value, this exemption ensures you won’t pay higher property taxes because of that increase.
The financial benefit depends on your local property tax rate and the value of your solar system. For example, if your solar installation adds $20,000 to your home’s value and your local tax rate is 2%, you could save approximately $400 per year in property taxes. This exemption continues for as long as you own the solar system, providing ongoing savings year after year.
It’s important to know that this exemption is optional for each city and town in New Hampshire—not all municipalities have chosen to adopt it. You’ll need to check with your local tax assessor’s office to confirm whether your community offers this exemption. If available, the exemption applies to any real property equipped with a qualifying solar energy system, and there are no income restrictions or application deadlines. Contact your local tax authority before installing your system to understand the specific rules and application process in your area.
Net metering in New Hampshire allows you to receive credit for the excess solar electricity your system sends to the grid. When your solar panels produce more energy than your home uses, that surplus flows back to the utility grid, and you receive credits on your electric bill. The specific value of these credits depends on which utility company serves your area.
For Eversource Energy customers, your solar production offsets your consumption at nearly a 1:1 rate each month, minus small non-bypassable charges of about 1.5 cents per kWh. Any excess generation beyond what you use earns you a credit of approximately 21 cents per kWh (as of 2023). Unitil Energy Services customers see similar 1:1 netting with 2 cents per kWh in non-bypassable charges, and excess generation credits around 13 cents per kWh (as of 2024). Liberty Utilities customers have the lowest non-bypassable charges at 0.5 cents per kWh, with excess generation valued at approximately 17.7 cents per kWh (as of 2023). NH Electric Cooperative customers operate under a different structure where all exported electricity receives a credit of about 25% of the retail rate, which was 14.76 cents per kWh in 2023.
One important consideration: if you purchase electricity from a competitive retail supplier rather than your utility’s default service, you won’t receive the Default Energy Service portion of the credit, which significantly reduces the value of your excess generation. Credits automatically roll over from month to month and year to year. After your March billing cycle, you can request payment for any accumulated credits over $100, though most homeowners find it beneficial to let credits carry forward to offset future usage.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with New Hampshire incentives.
Get a Free QuoteManchester Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Manchester’s four distinct seasons create varying solar production throughout the year. While winters bring shorter days and snow, modern solar systems still generate significant clean energy year-round.
Solar Production in Manchester by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Panel Systems in Manchester
We’ve mapped every solar installation across Manchester to help you explore which neighborhoods are embracing clean energy. Click any hexagon to see how many of your neighbors have made the switch to solar power!
Leasing Solar Panels
In Manchester, NH, Palmetto offers Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs) through our LightReach program for customers served by Eversource Energy, Unitil Energy Services, and Liberty Utilities. With a PPA, you pay only for the power your system generates at a set rate per kilowatt-hour—typically lower than your current utility rate.
This approach means no upfront investment, no maintenance responsibilities, and immediate savings on your electricity bills. Unlike paying cash for a system, you avoid the initial cost of equipment and installation while still benefiting from clean energy. Your monthly solar costs vary with production, so you pay more during sunny summer months when your panels generate the most power, and less during winter.
Whether you buy or lease solar panels, the total savings typically balance out over the year. The key advantage of a PPA is simplicity: Palmetto handles system maintenance and monitoring, so you can enjoy lower energy costs without the complexities of ownership.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes strong financial sense in Manchester. With electricity rates at 23.3¢ per kWh—41% above the national average—and a 23% rate increase since 2020, solar panels offer protection from rising utility costs.
A typical Manchester home can save around $66,000 over 25 years with solar. New Hampshire’s property tax exemption and net metering credits further improve your return on investment, making solar a smart long-term choice for local homeowners.
Yes, Manchester residents have access to net metering through their utility providers. Eversource Energy, Unitil Energy Services, and Liberty Utilities customers receive nearly 1:1 credit for solar production, minus small non-bypassable charges. Excess generation earns credits of 13-21¢ per kWh depending on your utility.
NH Electric Cooperative customers operate under a different structure, receiving approximately 25% of the retail rate (14.76¢/kWh in 2023) for exported electricity. Credits roll over monthly and year-to-year, with payment available after March if your balance exceeds $100.
Yes, solar panels typically increase home value in Manchester. Research shows that homes with solar systems sell for a premium, with Zillow finding an average increase of 4.1% in home value nationwide.
For Manchester homeowners, this means a solar installation could add thousands of dollars to your property’s resale value. New Hampshire’s property tax exemption ensures you won’t pay higher taxes on this added value, making solar an attractive investment that benefits you both monthly through energy savings and long-term through increased home equity.
The cost of solar panels in Manchester depends on your home size and energy needs. A typical medium-sized home (2,000-3,000 sq ft) requires an 8.18 kW system costing around $24,580, or about $3.00 per watt.
Smaller homes need a 6.26 kW system ($19,384), while larger homes typically install a 10.11 kW system ($29,811). These prices reflect actual Palmetto installations in the Manchester area and include all equipment, labor, and permits.
Yes, solar is financially worthwhile in Manchester. With electricity rates at 23.3¢/kWh—41% above the national average—and a typical system saving around $66,000 over 25 years, the numbers support solar investment.
A medium-sized home’s 8.18 kW system costs about $24,580 and pays for itself in approximately 11.4 years through monthly savings of $151. New Hampshire’s property tax exemption and net metering credits further strengthen the financial case for going solar.
At Palmetto Solar, we’re proud to serve Manchester homeowners with transparent pricing and flexible financing options. As a national company with local focus, we combine the reliability of a large organization with personalized service for your community.
We offer industry-leading financing solutions, including our LightReach program that requires no upfront investment. Our experienced installation network ensures quality workmanship, while our team guides you through every step—from design to activation. With over 20,000 customers nationwide and an 85%+ approval rating, we’re committed to making solar accessible and straightforward for Manchester residents.