New Hampshire Battery Storage Incentives: A Guide to Savings in the Granite State

Are you considering installing a solar battery in New Hampshire? You’re in luck! Even though the state doesn’t offer broad statewide incentives, homeowners can still access valuable battery storage rebates and incentives through specific utility programs. These programs, particularly if you’re a customer of Eversource or Liberty Utilities, can help you cut down on costs and make energy storage a viable option for your home. Let’s take a closer look at what’s available.

Key Takeaways

New Hampshire Battery Storage: The Basics

The concept of battery storage is rapidly gaining momentum. As more homeowners install solar systems, adding a battery allows them to store excess energy generated by their panels. This energy can be a substitute during times of high electricity demand or during power outages, offering flexibility, savings, and greater energy independence.

In New Hampshire, the landscape for battery storage is evolving. While the state does not have a comprehensive energy storage policy, utility-specific programs offer significant opportunities for savings. Coupled with federal incentives, these programs make battery storage an attractive option for environmentally conscious homeowners looking to enhance their energy resilience.

ConnectedSolutions Program from Eversource

One of the standout incentives for energy storage in New Hampshire is the ConnectedSolutions Program, offered by Eversource, the state’s largest utility. This demand response program is designed to help manage electricity demand during peak usage times by leveraging the power stored in customers’ batteries. The utility will tap into the energy stored in your battery during peak times to stabilize the grid.

Here’s how it works: If you participate in the program, you’ll receive annual payments in exchange for allowing Eversource to draw electricity from your battery during peak events. This usually occurs during the summer months when the demand for electricity is highest. Specifically, the program runs from June 1 to September 30 and typically involves between 30 to 60 events per year, each lasting no longer than three hours.

Financially, the ConnectedSolutions Program offers an attractive payout. Homeowners can earn $225 per kilowatt (kW) during each summer event. According to Eversource, a typical home battery can contribute an average of 5 kW per event, which translates to $1,125 per summer season. The actual savings will depend on how many events take place and how much power your battery can provide during these events.

In addition to the financial benefits, this program allows homeowners to help stabilize the grid and reduce reliance on fossil fuels during periods of peak demand. If you’re an Eversource customer with a battery, ConnectedSolutions is a program worth exploring.

Liberty Utilities’ Battery Storage Pilot Program

If you’re a customer of Liberty Utilities, you have access to another unique energy storage incentive: the Battery Storage Pilot Program. This program is particularly appealing if you’re interested in the Tesla Powerwall—one of the most well-known home energy storage products on the market.

Liberty Utilities offers a leasing option for up to two Tesla Powerwalls, and interestingly, this program is available even if you don’t have a solar panel system. Like Eversource’s ConnectedSolutions Program, Liberty Utilities will draw electricity from your battery during peak energy demand events. When the grid needs support, the stored energy in your Powerwall will be tapped, helping to reduce stress on the electricity grid.

Here’s where the program stands out: Backup power. In the event of an outage, the Powerwall will provide between 8 to 12 hours of backup power, depending on your household’s energy consumption and the charge level of the battery. This can be a major benefit in regions prone to weather-related power outages.

Liberty Utilities offers two leasing options for the Powerwall:

1. Monthly payments of $25 per battery for 10 years
2. An upfront payment of $4,866 per battery

Since this is a lease program, Liberty Utilities will maintain ownership of the battery and be responsible for maintenance throughout the lease agreement. For homeowners looking for a lower upfront investment in energy storage, this program provides a flexible and affordable way to experience the benefits of battery storage.

Federal Tax Incentives: The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC)

Aside from utility-based programs, homeowners in New Hampshire can also benefit from federal tax incentives when installing energy storage systems. The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to claim up to 30% of the cost of your solar battery system as a credit towards your federal taxes.

This tax credit has been a driving force behind the rapid adoption of solar energy across the U.S., and it can also be applied to battery storage when paired with solar panels. For example, if your battery system costs $10,000, you could claim a $3,000 tax credit, significantly reducing the overall cost of the system.

Importantly, the ITC currently applies only to battery systems with solar panels. This means the battery must be charged by renewable energy generated on-site, such as from rooftop solar panels. However, starting in 2023, thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, standalone storage systems will also be eligible for the tax credit. This change will open up new opportunities for homeowners who wish to install battery systems without solar panels.

Why Consider Battery Storage in New Hampshire?

As energy storage technology continues to evolve, it offers a range of benefits for homeowners in New Hampshire:

While New Hampshire doesn’t yet have a comprehensive statewide battery incentive program, the offerings from Eversource and Liberty Utilities, combined with the federal ITC, make energy storage an appealing option for Granite State residents.

Final Thoughts: Start Exploring Your Battery Storage Options

If you’re ready to explore battery storage options in New Hampshire, the EnergySage Marketplace is a great place to start. By comparing quotes from multiple installers, you can find the best deals and potentially save up to 20% on the cost of your solar or battery storage system. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to tap into these programs and enjoy the benefits of battery storage—both financially and environmentally.

The combination of local utility incentives and federal tax credits make now an excellent time to invest in energy storage in New Hampshire. Whether you’re looking to add a battery to your existing solar system or exploring backup power solutions, the incentives available can help make the transition smoother and more affordable.