This guide will walk you through all the major solar incentives, tax credits, and other beneficial policies available to New Hampshire residents in 2025. We’ll clarify how each program works, who’s eligible, and how they contribute to your solar investment.
Find out what New Hampshire programs are available to you!
Federal Solar Incentives: The Investment Tax Credit (ITC)
The most significant financial incentive for homeowners nationwide is the federal Solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC). This is a dollar-for-dollar credit that directly reduces the amount of federal income tax you owe.
- Credit Amount: For systems installed between 2022 and 2032, the ITC allows you to claim 30% of the total cost of your solar energy system.
- Impact: On a $25,000 solar system, the 30% ITC provides a $7,500 credit, effectively lowering your net cost to just $17,500.
New Hampshire’s State & Local Solar Incentives
New Hampshire’s primary state-level incentive is a direct rebate program, complemented by a strong net metering policy and a local-option property tax exemption.
Name of Incentive | Type | Description | Key Details | Estimated Cash Value |
Federal Solar Tax Credit | Federal Tax Credit | A 30% credit on the total cost of your system against your federal income taxes. | The most significant financial incentive available. | $5,400 – $9,900 |
NH PUC Rebate Program | State Rebate | A one-time rebate of $0.20 per watt, capped at $1,000 per system. | A direct, upfront reduction of your system cost. | Up to $1,000 |
Property Tax Exemption | Local Tax Exemption | A local-option exemption on the value added to your home by a solar system. | Your property taxes may not increase. | Varies (By town) |
Net Metering | Utility Bill Credit | Earn credits on your utility bill for excess electricity your system sends to the grid. | Maximizes the value of every kWh you produce. | Varies |
New Hampshire Residential Renewable Energy Rebate Program
- How it Works: This program, administered by the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission (PUC), provides a direct, upfront rebate to homeowners who install a qualifying solar PV system. The rebate is calculated at $0.20 per watt, with a maximum rebate of $1,000. The application is typically handled by your installer.
- Impact: This is a powerful, direct reduction in your system’s price. Unlike a tax credit, this is cash back that lowers your initial investment immediately before you have to worry about taxes.
New Hampshire Property Tax Exemption for Solar
- How it Works: New Hampshire state law allows individual towns and cities to offer a full or partial property tax exemption for the value added by a solar system. A large number of municipalities have adopted this exemption.
- Impact: In participating towns, this is a significant long-term benefit that saves you hundreds of dollars every year for the life of your system. It’s crucial to check with your local assessor’s office to see if your town offers this incentive.
Utility-Specific Solar Programs in New Hampshire
Net Metering
- How it Works: Net metering is a critical policy that ensures you get value for every kWh your system produces. When your panels generate more power than you are using, the excess is sent to the grid, and you receive a credit on your bill from your utility (Eversource, Liberty, Unitil, etc.).
- Impact: Net metering maximizes your bill savings and is the foundation of the financial return for solar in New Hampshire. It allows you to offset your energy costs even when the sun isn’t shining.
Find out what New Hampshire programs are available to you!
Understanding the Full Cost of Solar
To appreciate how these incentives work, it’s important to understand the total cost of a solar project they are designed to reduce. For a detailed breakdown, see our complete guide on The Cost of Solar Panels in New Hampshire.
Are Solar Panels Worth It in New Hampshire?
The available financial incentives are a key reason why solar is such a worthwhile investment in New Hampshire. By taking advantage of the 30% federal tax credit and the state rebate, you can dramatically lower your net cost. To see a full financial breakdown, read our detailed analysis: Are Solar Panels Worth It in New Hampshire?.
How To Get Solar With No Upfront Cost
Financing options like $0-down solar loans are especially powerful because they allow you to own your system and claim the valuable 30% federal tax credit and the state rebate. Our complete guide, How To Get Free Solar Panels in New Hampshire, breaks down how these options work.
Why Your Choice of Installer is Critical
The quality of your installer is the most important factor in ensuring you maximize every available incentive. A top-tier installer in New Hampshire will be an expert in the state rebate program and your utility’s net metering and interconnection process. Our guide to the Top Solar Companies in New Hampshire explains exactly what to look for.
How EcoGen America Simplifies Your Solar Journey
Navigating tax credits and utility policies can be confusing. EcoGen America makes it simple. We connect you with our network of trusted, pre-vetted local installers in New Hampshire who are experts in all available incentives and provide transparent, no-obligation quotes.
Find out exactly what incentives you qualify for.
Find out what New Hampshire programs are available to you!
Frequently Asked Questions
No, New Hampshire does not have a state-level income tax credit for solar. However, it does offer a direct cash rebate of up to $1,000.
The single biggest financial incentive is the 30% federal solar tax credit, which can save homeowners thousands of dollars on their system.
No. This is a local-option exemption. You must check with your town or city’s tax office to determine if it is offered in your area.
Sources & References:
- SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association) – U.S. Solar Market Insight: https://seia.org/research-resources/us-solar-market-insight/
- SEIA (Solar Energy Industries Association) – New Hampshire Solar Policy: https://seia.org/state-solar-policy/new-hampshire-solar/
- Energy.gov (U.S. Department of Energy) – Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar: https://www.energy.gov/eere/solar/homeowners-guide-going-solar
- IRS (Internal Revenue Service) – Form 5695, Residential Energy Credits: https://www.irs.gov/forms-pubs/about-form-5695
- NREL (National Renewable Energy Laboratory) – Annual Technology Baseline (ATB) for Solar: https://atb.nrel.gov/electricity/2024/residential_pv
- EIA (U.S. Energy Information Administration) – New Hampshire State Energy Profile: https://www.eia.gov/state/?sid=NH
- DSIRE (Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency) – New Hampshire Programs: https://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/nh/solar
- New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission – Renewable Energy Rebate Program: https://www.puc.nh.gov/Sustainable-Energy/RenewableEnergy-MS.htm
