Solar Panels Cost $5.6k-$17k in Strafford County, NH | May, 2025

Local and county governments in New Hampshire may create property-assessed clean energy (PACE) financing programs to support property owners making renewable energy investments or energy efficiency improvements. Effectively, PACE funding comes from the government, with applications and screening handled through a private lender. Repayment will take the form of a property tax lien senior to mortgages. Should the owner sell or transfer their property, the new owner will be responsible for the loan. Any commercial, industrial, or large multi-family residential property may qualify for PACE loans. Single-family homes or multi-family properties below 5 units do not qualify due to regulatory concerns from the FHFA. Potential applicants should check with their local government to determine financing options and requirements for participation.

In New Hampshire, all private utilities and electrical cooperatives are required to comply with a renewable portfolio standard dictating the state's investment in clean energy. Current objectives require at least 25.2% of retail electricity in the state to be sourced renewably by 2025. Eligible technologies include solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, and some landfill gas systems. Compliance with the standard is measured using a Renewable Energy Credit (REC) system pegging a fixed amount of electricity to a variable dollar value. Each renewable energy device generates RECs, though utilities are expected to purchase much of their share of RECs from private customers. Should a utility fail to meet its quota of RECs, it will be assessed a penalty charge for each kilowatt it is deficient. Additional information is available from the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission website.

In New Hampshire, local governments may elect to create property tax exemptions on solar/wind energy systems, electrical storage devices, and wood-burning thermal systems (not fireplaces). Exemptions for each system should be enacted separately rather than all together. Currently, 135 localities have these exemptions within their tax codes. Interested property owners should consult with their local assessor for additional information on the specific statutes that may apply to them.

The Enterprise Energy Fund is a revolving loan program sponsored by the New Hampshire Community Development Finance Authority (CDFA) and Community Loan Fund (CLF). Commercial property owners can borrow EEF loans to make a variety of energy efficiency upgrades or install new renewable energy systems. Repaid funds immediately "revolve" to another borrower, allowing for perpetual state investment and continued support through interest. Loans from $50,000 to $500,000 may be repaid over 10 years, with variable interest depending on the length of the repayment period and the tax status of the borrower. Nonprofit agencies may receive lower interest rates and more tailored repayment plans. Additional information is available from the CDFA website.

In New Hampshire, large commercial, industrial, nonprofit, or public-sector properties may be eligible for renewable energy grants through the state's Public Utilities Commission. Grants range from $150,000 to $1 million in size and can support new solar, wind, biomass, hydroelectric, or geothermal generation and thermal systems. Finished installations should be interconnected to the electrical grid under a net metering agreement. Additional information is available from the PUC website.