Solar Guide
Solar in Nashua
Solar panel installation in Nashua, NH offers homeowners a smart solution as electricity prices have increased 23% from 2020 to 2024. Many residents are turning to solar panels for home energy to combat rising utility costs.
This guide covers everything Nashua homeowners need to know about solar installation, from costs to local incentives available in your area.
NEW HAMPSHIRE by the Numbers
Key Takeaways
- Nashua homeowners save an average of $66,441 over 25 years with solar panels while protecting against rising electricity costs.
- New Hampshire ranks 6th nationally for residential solar with over 159,000 households already enjoying clean energy benefits.
- Federal tax credits provide 30% savings plus New Hampshire property tax exemptions make solar more affordable than ever.
Solar Cost Calculator
Our solar cost calculator uses real installation data from Nashua neighborhoods including Crown Hill, French Hill, and Salmon Brook. Get accurate pricing based on actual local projects, not estimates.
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Cost
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Nashua Electricity Prices
Understanding Nashua’s electricity costs helps homeowners make informed energy decisions as rates continue climbing above national averages.
New Hampshire electricity rates jumped from 19.9 cents per kWh in 2021 to 28.2 cents in 2023, significantly outpacing national averages during the same period.
Solar panels generate electricity at a fixed cost, helping homeowners avoid unpredictable utility rate increases while maintaining consistent monthly energy expenses over time.
Over 25 years, solar systems can provide stable energy costs while traditional electricity rates continue rising, offering long-term financial predictability for Nashua families.
Price of Energy: New Hampshire vs National Average
Nashua Area Utility Providers
Nashua residents receive electricity primarily from PSNH, which charged 28.9¢ per kWh in 2023—significantly higher than the national average of 16.0¢ per kWh.
New Hampshire’s electricity rates rank among the highest nationally due to limited natural gas pipeline capacity and reliance on expensive imported energy sources.
With PSNH rates exceeding national averages by 81%, solar panels can help Nashua homeowners reduce dependence on costly grid electricity over time.
Nashua Utilities Electricity Rates
New Hampshire Solar Incentives
Nashua homeowners can significantly reduce solar installation costs through available solar incentives in New Hampshire and federal programs.
New Hampshire offers property tax exemptions that protect homeowners from increased taxes on solar system value. Net metering programs provide credits for excess energy your panels generate.
These incentives change frequently, so research current programs thoroughly and consider acting promptly to maximize your solar investment benefits.
$7,742
Average savings in New Hampshire solar rebates
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Credit | Federal tax credit | A federal tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed | Learn More |
| 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 |
The Residential Clean Energy Credit lets people claim a tax credit worth 30% the cost of a solar panel system in the year it’s installed. The credit can only be used against taxes you owe or have already paid that year, but any excess credit can be rolled over to future years.
The credit is broadly available, though there are a few restrictions — you must own the panels and they must be on a house you live in — so be sure to consult a tax professional about your situation.
New Hampshire’s Property Tax Exemption for Solar Energy Systems allows cities and towns to exempt the added value of solar installations from property tax assessments. This means that while your solar system may increase your home’s overall value, you won’t pay additional property taxes on that increased value. The exemption applies to the assessed value of the solar energy system itself, not your entire property.
The financial benefit varies by location since each city and town must individually choose to adopt this exemption under state law. If your municipality has adopted the exemption, you could save hundreds of dollars annually in property taxes depending on your system’s value and local tax rates. To be eligible, you must own real property equipped with a solar energy system as defined by New Hampshire law. There are no specific deadlines mentioned in the statute, but you should check with your local tax assessor about application procedures and timing requirements, as these may vary by municipality.
Net metering in New Hampshire allows solar homeowners to receive credit for excess electricity their solar panels send back to the grid. When your solar system produces more power than your home uses, that extra electricity flows to the grid and reduces your electric bill. The specific benefits depend on which utility company serves your area, with rates and terms varying between Eversource Energy, Unitil Energy Services, Liberty Utilities, and NH Electric Cooperative.
For most NH utilities (Eversource, Unitil, and Liberty), you receive nearly full retail credit for excess solar production, with only small non-bypassable charges of 0.5 to 2 cents per kWh deducted. When you produce more than you use in a month, you earn bill credits ranging from about 13 to 21 cents per kWh depending on your utility. NH Electric Cooperative operates differently, offering export credits at about 25% of the retail rate (around 14.76 cents per kWh in 2023). All utilities allow credits to roll over year to year, and you can request payment for accumulated credits over $100 after your March billing cycle. Keep in mind that customers who choose competitive retail energy suppliers may not be eligible for the full credit amount, as they won’t receive the Default Energy Service portion of the credit.
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 QuoteNashua 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.
Nashua’s four distinct seasons and varying daylight hours create unique solar conditions. Despite New England’s cloudy reputation, proper system design maximizes year-round energy production effectively.
Solar Production in Nashua 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 Installations in Nashua
We’ve mapped every solar installation across America to bring you this interactive view of Nashua’s solar community. Click any hexagon to discover how many neighbors in that area have already made the switch to clean energy!
Leasing Solar Panels
For Nashua homeowners, Palmetto offers Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs), which provide a flexible alternative to purchasing solar panels outright. With a PPA, you pay for the power your panels generate at a set rate per kilowatt-hour rather than making a large upfront investment.
PPAs are available through all major utility providers in Nashua, including Eversource Energy, Unitil Energy Services, and Liberty Utilities. This option eliminates maintenance responsibilities since Palmetto handles system upkeep, monitoring, and repairs throughout the agreement term.
Unlike cash purchases where you manage equipment maintenance yourself, LightReach PPAs let you start saving immediately without the financial commitment or operational concerns. Learn more about solar financing options to find the best fit for your situation.
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 excellent financial sense in Nashua. With New Hampshire electricity rates at 23.3¢/kWh—significantly above the national average—homeowners save an average of $66,441 over 25 years with solar panels.
Nashua receives ample sunlight for effective solar production year-round. Combined with the 30% federal tax credit and New Hampshire’s property tax exemptions, most systems pay for themselves within 8-9 years while providing decades of additional savings.
Yes, Nashua has net metering through multiple utility providers including Eversource Energy, Unitil Energy Services, and Liberty Utilities. Each offers monthly net metering with nearly 1:1 credit for excess solar production.
When your solar panels produce more electricity than you use, the excess flows back to the grid and you receive bill credits. Credits roll over year-to-year and can be requested as payment if over $100 after March billing.
Yes, solar panels increase home value in Nashua, NH. According to Zillow research, solar panels increase home value by 4.1% on average across the United States.
For Nashua homeowners, this means a typical home valued at $400,000 could see an increase of approximately $16,400 with solar panels installed. New Hampshire’s property tax exemption also protects you from paying additional taxes on this increased value.
Solar installation costs in Nashua range from $14,226 to $21,929 after federal tax credits, depending 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 approximately $18,065 after the 30% federal tax credit.
System costs include equipment, installation, permits, and interconnection. New Hampshire’s property tax exemption protects homeowners from additional taxes on solar system value, making the investment more affordable for Nashua residents.
Yes, solar is financially worth it in Nashua. With New Hampshire electricity rates at 23.3¢/kWh—41% above national averages—homeowners typically save $66,441 over 25 years while systems pay for themselves in 8-9 years.
The 30% federal tax credit and New Hampshire’s property tax exemptions make solar installations more affordable. Rising electricity costs make solar’s fixed energy production increasingly valuable for long-term financial stability.
Palmetto Solar is a leading national solar company serving Nashua homeowners with proven expertise and competitive financing options. We combine national resources with local focus to deliver quality installations across New Hampshire.
Our comprehensive approach includes industry-leading financing programs, experienced installation partners, and transparent pricing. We’ve helped over 20,000 customers nationwide achieve energy independence with solar solutions tailored to their specific needs and budgets.