Solar Panel Cost in Franklin, NH (2026)

Average installed cost for a residential solar system — updated March 2026

Gross Cost (6kW)
$22,800
Before incentives
25-Year Savings
$27,840
9.1-yr payback

Solar Costs in Franklin, New Hampshire

Last updated: March 2026


Considering solar panels for your Franklin, New Hampshire home? You are not alone. Thousands of homeowners across the Northeast are making the switch to solar energy, driven by high electricity rates and generous federal incentives. In 2026, a typical residential solar installation in Franklin costs between $15,200 and $45,700 depending on system size, before any incentives are applied.

For the average Franklin home, we recommend a 7kW system, which costs approximately $21,350 after the 30% federal tax credit. This system would produce about 9,344 kWh per year, enough to offset most or all of your electricity bill and save you $2,336 annually.

Read on for a complete breakdown of solar panel costs in Franklin, including what affects pricing, available incentives in New Hampshire, and detailed savings calculations for every system size.

In Franklin, the average cost is $3.81 per watt installed. A typical 6kW system runs $15,200 – $45,700 before incentives, dropping to approximately $15,960 after the federal tax credit and NH Solar Incentive.

System Size & Cost Breakdown

Prices reflect 2026 market rates for Franklin, New Hampshire. The highlighted row shows the most common residential system size.

System Size Gross Cost Federal Credit NH Incentive Net Cost Annual Savings Payback
4 kW $15,200 -$4560 -$0 $10640 $1168/yr 9.1 yrs
6 kW $22,800 -$6840 -$0 $15960 $1752/yr 9.1 yrs
8 kW $30,500 -$9150 -$0 $21350 $2336/yr 9.1 yrs
10 kW $38,100 -$11430 -$0 $26670 $2920/yr 9.1 yrs
12 kW $45,700 -$13710 -$0 $31990 $3504/yr 9.1 yrs

★ Most common system size for Franklin homes. Prices are estimates; get quotes for exact pricing.

Solar Savings Calculator — Franklin

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* Estimates based on Franklin avg. sun hours (4.0 hrs/day), $0.25/kWh electricity rate, 30% federal tax credit, and 80% system efficiency. Actual results vary.

Solar Incentives & Rebates in New Hampshire

Federal

Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC)

30% — Save $6,840

The Residential Clean Energy Credit lets you deduct 30% of your total system cost from federal taxes. Available through at least 2032.

NH

NH Solar Incentive

Save $0

New Hampshire offers the NH Solar Incentive, providing an additional 0% reduction on your solar installation cost.

✓ Net Metering Available in New Hampshire

With net metering, your utility credits you for excess solar energy sent back to the grid, further reducing your electricity bills.


Several financial incentives make solar panels more affordable for Franklin, New Hampshire homeowners in 2026:

  • Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) — 30%: The federal government offers a 30% tax credit on the total cost of your solar installation. For a 7kW system costing $30,500, that is a credit of $9,150 applied directly to your federal taxes. This incentive is available through 2032.
  • State programs: Check with New Hampshire's energy office for current rebates, tax credits, and performance-based incentives. Programs change frequently, so verify current availability.
  • Net metering: New Hampshire's net metering policy is currently: True. Net metering allows you to sell excess solar electricity back to the grid, effectively spinning your meter backward and earning credits on your utility bill.
  • Property tax exemption: Many states, including some jurisdictions in New Hampshire, exempt the added home value from solar panels from property tax assessments. Check with your local Franklin tax assessor.
  • Sales tax exemption: Some states exempt solar equipment from sales tax, reducing your upfront cost by 5-8%. Verify current New Hampshire policy.

Between federal and state incentives, Franklin homeowners can typically reduce their solar installation cost by 30-50%. Always consult a tax professional to maximize your available credits and deductions.

Factors Affecting Solar Cost in Franklin

Several factors influence the final cost of a solar panel installation in Franklin, NH. Understanding these helps you budget accurately and compare quotes from local installers.

  • System size: The most significant cost factor. A 4kW system costs around $15,200, while a 12kW system runs about $45,700. Your ideal size depends on your electricity usage, roof space, and budget.
  • Panel type: Monocrystalline panels (most efficient, 20-22%) cost more per watt than polycrystalline (15-17% efficiency). For Franklin homeowners with limited roof space, monocrystalline panels often provide better value despite the higher upfront cost.
  • Roof condition and angle: A south-facing roof with a 30-degree pitch is ideal in Franklin. If your roof needs repairs or has a complex layout with dormers, chimneys, or skylights, expect additional costs. Flat roofs require tilt mounts, adding $500-$1,500.
  • Shading: Trees, neighboring buildings, or other obstructions that shade your roof reduce solar production and may require tree trimming or a specialized panel layout.
  • Inverter type: String inverters ($1,000-$2,000) are cheapest, while microinverters ($1,500-$3,000) and power optimizers maximize production per panel, especially with partial shading.
  • Installer and labor: Franklin has a cost index of 1.12 relative to the national average, which affects labor rates. Get at least 3 quotes from local installers to ensure competitive pricing.
  • Permits and interconnection: Franklin, New Hampshire requires permits for solar installations. Permit costs typically range from $200 to $500. Your installer usually handles this, but verify what is included in their quote.

The best way to get an accurate price for your Franklin home is to request quotes from multiple local solar installers and compare their proposals side by side.

Is Solar Worth It in Franklin, NH?

Solar panels are a long-term financial investment, and the numbers work strongly in favor of Franklin homeowners. A 7kW system produces approximately 9,344 kWh per year, saving you about $2,336 annually at current electricity rates of 25.0 cents/kWh.

At a net cost of $21,350 (after the 30% federal tax credit), your system pays for itself in approximately 9.1 years. Over the typical 25-year warranty period, you can expect total savings of approximately $37,050, representing a return on investment of 173.5%. That significantly outperforms many traditional investments.

Keep in mind that electricity rates have historically increased 2-3% annually. This means your actual savings will likely be even higher than these projections, as solar locks in your energy costs at today's rates. Additionally, homes with solar panels in Franklin typically sell for 3-4% more than comparable homes without solar, adding further value to your investment.

Annual Production
7,008 kWh
Annual Savings
$1,752
25-Year ROI
174.4%

Frequently Asked Questions — Solar in Franklin

In 2026, solar panels in Franklin, NH cost an average of $3.81 per watt. A typical 7kW residential system costs about $30,500 before incentives, or approximately $21,350 after the 30% federal tax credit.
The average solar payback period in Franklin is approximately 9.1 years for a 7kW system. After that, your electricity savings are essentially pure profit. Over 25 years, you can expect total savings of $37,050.
For the average Franklin home, we recommend a 7kW system. However, the right size depends on your electricity usage, available roof space, and budget. Review your electricity bills to determine your annual kWh consumption, then size your system to offset 80-100% of that usage.
New Hampshire may offer state-level solar incentives. Check with the state energy office for current programs. In addition, the federal 30% Investment Tax Credit is available to all Franklin homeowners through 2032.
Yes, solar is a strong investment in Franklin. With 4.0 average peak sun hours per day and electricity rates of 25.0 cents/kWh, a 7kW system delivers a 173.5% return on investment over 25 years, significantly outperforming most traditional investments.
A 7kW solar system in Franklin saves approximately $2,336 per year on electricity bills. Over the 25-year system lifespan, total savings reach about $37,050 after accounting for the initial investment. Actual savings depend on your energy usage and future electricity rate changes.

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