If you’ve been thinking about solar recently, you’ve probably heard a lot of scuttlebutt around changing incentives. And you may even be slightly overwhelmed.
That’s because the solar landscape in New Hampshire looks remarkably different in 2026. Big federal programs have ended, new state-specific opportunities exist, and frankly – it’s caused a lot of confusion. It doesn’t help that many official resources on the subject have yet to be updated for the new year. On December 31st, 2025, that 30% federal residential tax credit went away. But for most homeowners, the new setup is actually better.
Here’s more good news: going solar in New Hampshire is still a fantastic investment that can save you money. You just have to know how the new rules work. And who to trust.
That’s where VT Star Solar excels. As opposed to a big national franchise – we’re a small, independent shop from just across the border in Vermont. We live and work in this community. Our goal is just to give you the cut-and-dry facts so you can make an informed choice for your home or business. And, let’s not forget, VTStarSolar can help you go solar for $0 out of pocket and no upfront cost.
That hasn’t changed.
The Big Picture: What Really Changed in 2026?
Let’s get the energy-inefficient-elephant in the room out of the way first. The 30% federal tax credit for homeowner-purchased solar systems (the one you’d claim on your personal taxes) officially expired at the end of 2025. This was part of a larger federal bill that ended several clean energy credits.
For homeowners looking to buy a system with cash or a loan, this was a major blow. It made the upfront cost significantly higher.
But it also created a much clearer path forward.
The #1 Way to Go Solar in 2026: Leases & Power Purchase Agreements (PPAs)
With the residential credit gone, the smartest financial move for most New Hampshire homeowners in 2026 is a solar lease or PPA. Here’s why:
While the residential credit ended, the commercial tax credit did not. Under Section 48E of the tax code, a 30% tax credit is still available for businesses that install solar – and this includes third-party owners like us and our financing partners. This credit is available at the full 30% for projects with construction beginning on or before December 31, 2033 .
When you sign a lease or PPA with a company like VT Star Solar, you don’t own the panels. We (or our partner) do. That means we can claim the 30% commercial credit and pass the savings directly on to you in the form of a lower monthly payment.
This is how you can still get the benefits of a 30% tax credit without having to qualify for it or wait for tax season. It’s the new “Golden Path” to going solar with little or no upfront cost.
The New Hampshire-Specific Incentives You Can Actually Get
Beyond the federal workaround, New Hampshire has some excellent local incentives that make going solar even more attractive. These are the real, verified programs you can count on in 2026.
1. Eversource ConnectedSolutions Battery Rebate
If you’re an Eversource customer, their “ConnectedSolutions” program will pay you an upfront rebate to install a battery backup system with your solar panels.
How much? Up to $3,000 for residential systems.
The program pays you based on the size of your battery, at a rate of $230 per kilowatt-hour (kWh) of enrolled storage . For a typical home battery, this can significantly reduce the cost of adding battery backup.
In exchange, you agree to share a small amount of your stored energy with Eversource during a few peak demand events each month. This helps stabilize the grid for everyone. It’s a win-win.
2. New Hampshire Net Metering
Net metering is the system that lets you trade the extra power your panels produce for credits on your electric bill. When your panels produce more electricity than your home is using, that power flows back to the grid, and your utility company credits you for it.
In New Hampshire, this program is available through Eversource, Liberty, NH Electric Co-op, and Unitil. The NH Public Utilities Commission has grandfathered current customers into the program through 2040, providing long-term stability for solar owners .
3. New Hampshire Property Tax Exemption
This one is simple but powerful. In New Hampshire, adding a solar panel system will not increase your property taxes, provided your town has adopted the exemption. Over 150 towns in New Hampshire have adopted this exemption, and a recent update removed the old $10,000 cap, meaning systems are often exempt at their full assessed value .
It’s worth noting that a recent attempt to repeal this exemption was defeated in the New Hampshire House in February 2026, so the exemption is safe for now .
How to get it: It doesn’t happen automatically. You have to file Form PA-29 with your local assessor by April 15, 2026. If you miss that date, you’re stuck waiting another year.
4. No State Sales Tax
New Hampshire has no state sales tax, which means you save 6% or more on the cost of your solar equipment compared to neighboring states.
2026 New Hampshire Solar Quick-Reference Table
| Incentive Type | What You Get | Who Qualifies? | Status for 2026 |
| Federal Tax Credit (25D) | 30% of total cost | Homeowners (Cash/Loan) | EXPIRED (As of 12/31/25) |
| Federal Lease Credit (48E) | 30% (via lower payments) | Leases & PPAs | ACTIVE through 2032* |
| Eversource Battery Rebate | Up to $3,000 upfront | Eversource customers with batteries | ACTIVE & well-funded |
| NH Net Metering | Bill credits for exported power | All solar owners | ACTIVE (grandfathered through 2040) |
| NH Property Tax Exemption | $0 increase in property taxes | Homeowners in participating towns | ACTIVE (local option) |
| NH Sales Tax Exemption | No sales tax on equipment | Everyone | PERMANENT |
| NH Residential Rebate | $0.20/watt, up to $1,000 | Homeowners | PERMANENTLY CLOSED |
* Section 48E is currently scheduled to phase down starting in 2033, but is at full 30% through 2032.
How to Stack These Incentives for Maximum ROI
Getting the most out of New Hampshire’s solar incentives isn’t about picking just one program. It’s about layering them on top of each other – stacking them – to create the biggest possible savings. Think of it like building a sandwich; each layer makes the final result better.
Here’s the step-by-step path we walk our neighbors through every day to get them the best possible deal on solar in 2026:
Step 1: The Foundation – The Lease or PPA
This is the most important piece of the puzzle. By choosing a solar lease or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA), you unlock the 30% federal commercial tax credit that is no longer available to individual homeowners. We claim the credit and pass the savings directly to you through a lower, fixed monthly payment. This is the financial engine that makes everything else possible.
Step 2: The Big Rebate – The Eversource Battery Incentive
Next, if you’re an Eversource customer, we help you apply for the Connected Solutions battery rebate. This program provides up to $3,000 in an upfront payment when you add a battery to your system. This incentive is a huge way to offset the cost of the battery while giving you backup power and energy security.
Step 3: The Daily Savings – Net Metering & Self-Consumption
Once your system is running, the savings start rolling in every day. Here’s how:
• On-Site Savings: The most valuable power you produce is the power you use yourself. Every kWh you use from your roof is a kWh you don’t have to buy from the utility at their high retail rate.
• Net Metering Credits: Any extra power you don’t use gets sent to the grid, and you get a credit on your bill for it. In New Hampshire, utilities like Eversource and Liberty offer credits that can be carried forward indefinitely to cover your bills during the darker winter months.
Step 4: The Permanent Perks – Tax Exemptions
These are the built-in benefits you get automatically. You save right away because there’s no sales tax on renewable energy equipment in New Hampshire. And you’ll save for years to come because your property taxes will not increase, even though you’ve added significant value to your home.
Putting It All Together
When you stack these incentives, the picture becomes clear:
You use a lease to get the 30% federal credit savings, add a battery for much less than retail thanks to the Eversource rebate, and then watch the savings add up every month from net metering and avoiding the utility’s high rates – all while your property taxes stay exactly the same.
Navigating the paperwork for these programs can feel like a chore. That’s our job. We handle the applications and coordination to make sure you get every dollar and credit you’re entitled to, without the headaches.
Frequently Asked 2026 NH Solar Power Questions
Should I lease or buy NH solar panels in 2026?
For most people, leasing or signing a PPA is the clear winner in 2026. Because the 30% residential tax credit has expired, the only way to get a similar financial benefit is to let a third party (like us) claim the commercial credit and pass the savings to you through a lower monthly payment. Buying with cash is still an option, but the payback period is much longer without the federal credit.
Can I still get the 30% federal solar tax credit in 2026?
No. The Residential Clean Energy Credit (Section 25D) expired for systems installed after December 31, 2025. Any company telling you that you, as an individual homeowner, can still claim it for a new system in 2026 is misinformed.
How much can I save with New Hampshire solar incentives in 2026?
The biggest direct saving comes from the Eversource battery rebate, which can be up to $3,000. When combined with a lease or PPA that bakes in the 30% commercial credit savings, many homeowners can get a full solar-plus-battery system for $0 down and a monthly payment that’s less than their old utility bill.
What is the Eversource Connected Solutions battery program and how does it work?
It’s a program where Eversource gives you a large upfront rebate to install a battery. In return, you let them draw a small amount of power from it a few times a month to help reduce stress on the electric grid. You get paid for helping out, and you always have plenty of backup power for outages. It’s one of the best battery incentives in the country.
Will solar panels increase my property taxes in New Hampshire?
No, as long as your town has adopted the solar property tax exemption. Over 150 towns in New Hampshire have this exemption in place. You must file Form PA-29 with your local assessor by April 15 to secure this benefit.
Do I need a battery with my solar system in 2026?
It’s not required, but in 2026 it’s a no-brainer, especially if you’re an Eversource customer. The ConnectedSolutions rebate is so generous it can significantly reduce the cost of the battery. A battery gives you backup power during outages (which are becoming more common) and helps you use more of your own cheap solar power instead of buying expensive power from the grid at night.
How long does solar installation take in New Hampshire?
From signing a contract to having the system turned on, the process typically takes 2-4 months. This includes design, permitting with the town and utility, installation, and final inspection. Starting the conversation early is key.
What happens to my solar power with net metering?
When you produce more power than you’re using, it goes to the grid and you get a credit on your bill. When you use power from the grid, you use up those credits. The real magic is using your solar power as it’s being made – that saves you the full retail rate of electricity, which is much higher.
Are these incentives available for businesses and commercial properties?
Yes! The 30% commercial tax credit is the main driver for businesses. While programs like the Eversource ConnectedSolutions have different incentive levels for commercial properties, other advantages like accelerated depreciation also apply. If you’re a business owner, we can walk you through a custom ROI analysis.
I heard about a state grant called RAISE. Is that available?
Unfortunately, no. The Residential Assistance in Solar Energy (RAISE) grant was part of a federally funded program called Solar for All, which the EPA terminated nationwide in August 2025 . It is not available in New Hampshire.
Ready to See What Your Savings Could Look Like?
Things change, but one thing hasn’t: solar is the best way for New Hampshire residents to take control of their energy costs. The path just looks a little different now. If you’re curious about what these incentives could mean for your home, let’s talk. Our team can put together a free, no-pressure solar analysis to show you the real numbers.