Are Solar Panels Worth It in New Hampshire?

As youth raise their voices and adults notice the effects of climate change, homeowners and buyers are thinking about how they can reduce their carbon footprint.

They may consider adding solar panels to their property or buying a home where they are already installed.

The question for many before they make the investment is if it is worth it, according to Eric Kilens.

Kilens works as a solar advisor at Granite State Solar in Bow. They focus on residential properties and work with homeowners on the Seacoast.

Kilens drives an electric car and has solar panels at his house.

"My solar system covers maybe 75 to 80 percent of my electricity bill," Kilens said on Friday. "I see an electric bill for maybe three or four months out of the year."

Kilens said every house is different, but the average cost of going solar is $30,000 and there are investment tax credits to help people move towards greener forms of energy.

There is a blog on Granite State Solar's website which explains how to pay for solar panels in New Hamsphire.

The issue comes up because the state's Public Utilities Commission approved an adjustment to Eversource's energy service rates and customers will likely see an increase in their bills after August 1.

Fore residential customers, energy service costs will increase from the current rate of 6.627 cents per kWh to 8.826 cents per kWh.

William Hinkle works as the media relations manager at Eversource Energy. He explained that the energy service rates are just one portion of a person's bill and there are other things that need to be approved by the PUC before August 1.

He said an increase in costs was expected coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"This was expected across the industry," Hinkle said.

Hinkle also explained that Eversource is not benefitting from this.

"Eversource does not profit on this portion of the bill," Hinkle said.

Hinkle added that despite what many people think, there is 25 percent more usage of electricity in the summer months because many people own air conditioners now.

Hinkle said there are resources to help people save money while keeping cool.

There are also programs to help people pay their bills.

Contact Managing News Editor Kimberley Haas at Kimberley.Haas@townsquaremedia.com.