Is solar worth it in New Hampshire? Absolutely—NH has the perfect combination of extreme electricity rates and excellent net metering. With rates at $0.23-0.28/kWh (36-70% above national average), ~85% retail net metering credits locked through 2040, 30% federal tax credit ($8,400-$11,400), property tax exemptions, no sales tax, and Eversource battery rebates ($3,000), New Hampshire solar delivers 8-10 year payback with $48,000-$60,000 lifetime savings—among the best solar ROI in New England. How does New Hampshire's Net Metering 2.0 work? Net Metering 2.0 provides credits worth ~85% of full retail electricity rate for excess solar sent to grid. Credits cover 100% of energy supply charge + 100% of transmission charge + 25% of distribution charge. When retail rates are $0.23-0.28/kWh, credits are worth $0.20-0.24/kWh. Credits roll over month-to-month indefinitely (no annual expiration). System installed now is grandfathered through 2040 under current policy. Do solar panels work in New Hampshire winters? Yes. While northern latitude means less winter sun, solar panels actually perform better in cold temperatures—efficiency improves in NH winters. Snow typically slides off angled panels, and temporary coverage is offset by extended summer daylight (15+ hours in June). Modern panels are designed for New England harsh winters—heavy snow loads, ice storms, temperature extremes. Annual production offsets 85-100% of usage when properly sized. What happened to the New Hampshire state rebate? The $1,000 residential rebate program ($0.20/watt up to $1,000) was permanently repealed by Senate Bill 303 in 2024. The program is completely closed with no processing of new applications. Important: Ignore outdated websites mentioning state rebates—this incentive no longer exists. However, federal tax credit, net metering, property tax exemption, and no sales tax still make NH solar highly attractive. Should I get battery storage in New Hampshire? Maybe. NH's excellent net metering (~85% retail credits) means batteries are optional—not financially required. However, batteries provide critical backup during NH's frequent winter storms and power outages. Eversource customers can earn $230/kWh rebate (up to $3,000) through ConnectedSolutions program, making batteries more affordable. Decision depends on backup power needs, Eversource eligibility, and willingness to participate in demand response events. How much does solar cost in New Hampshire? NH solar ranges $28,000-$38,000 before incentives. After 30% federal credit ($8,400-$11,400) and NH's no-sales-tax advantage, net cost is $19,600-$26,600. With extreme rates ($0.23-0.28/kWh) and ~85% net metering credits, annual savings reach $2,500-3,000. Payback is 8-10 years with $48,000-$60,000 lifetime savings—exceptional ROI despite higher upfront costs. Will solar panels increase my New Hampshire property value? Yes. Studies show solar increases home values by approximately 4.1%. If your municipality adopted the property tax exemption (RSA 72:61-72), added value won't increase property taxes—you gain equity without higher tax bills. Important: Not all NH towns participate—check with your local assessor. Solar homes sell faster due to locked-in low energy costs and transferable net metering benefits through 2040. What happens if the federal tax credit expires? The 30% federal tax credit expires December 31, 2025—final opportunity for full credit. Systems must be operational by year-end to qualify. After 2025, credit drops to 26% (2026), 22% (2027), then eliminates entirely for residential in 2028. Missing deadline means losing $8,400-$11,400 for typical NH system. NH's net metering and other state benefits continue, but losing federal credit significantly extends payback period. Can I verify if my town offers the property tax exemption? Contact your local town assessor's office and ask if your municipality has adopted RSA 72:61-72 (Renewable Energy Property Tax Exemption). A large number of NH towns participate, but not all. If your town offers it, you may need to file DRA Form PA-29. The exemption is crucial for maximizing solar ROI—verify availability during solar planning process. How does New Hampshire's deregulated electricity market affect solar? NH's deregulated market allows choosing competitive suppliers or joining Community Power programs. However, recent volatility shows both can exceed utility default rates. Solar with net metering provides rate certainty regardless of market fluctuations. Your solar credits are based on your utility's retail rate, not your chosen supplier, and you're protected from dramatic rate swings that have affected both utilities and Community Power programs.