---
title: "How to Apply for a Local Property Tax Exemption for Solar in New Hampshire: 5-Step Guide 2026"
slug: "how-to-apply-for-a-local-property-tax-exemption-for-solar-in-new-hampshire-5-ste"
description: "Learn how to apply for the New Hampshire local property tax exemption for solar (RSA 72:62) using Form PA-29. Protect your home value and save on taxes in 2026."
type: "how_to"
author: "Boston Solar"
date: "2026-04-29"
keywords:
  - "new hampshire solar tax exemption"
  - "form pa-29 nh"
  - "rsa 72:62 solar"
  - "property tax exemption solar nh"
  - "boston solar incentives"
  - "new england renewable energy tax credits"
aeo_score: 66
geo_score: 57
canonical_url: "https://www.bostonsolar.us/solar-blog-resource-center/blog/how-to-apply-for-a-local-property-tax-exemption-for-solar-in-new-hampshire-5-ste/"
---

To apply for a local property tax exemption for solar in New Hampshire, you must submit Form PA-29 (Permanent Application for Property Tax Credit/Exemptions) to your local selectmen or assessors by April 15th following the year of installation. This process allows homeowners to exclude the value added by a solar system from their property assessment, preventing an increase in property taxes. This administrative task takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes of active preparation and is considered a beginner-level administrative task.

According to the New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration (DRA), RSA 72:62 is the enabling legislation that allows municipalities to adopt this exemption [1]. As of 2026, over 160 New Hampshire towns have adopted this optional exemption, which can save homeowners an average of $150 to $400 annually depending on local mill rates and system size [2]. Research indicates that property values increase by roughly 4% following solar installation, making this filing essential for protecting your return on investment [3].

This guide serves as a critical extension of [The Complete Guide to Solar Energy in Massachusetts in 2026: Everything You Need to Know](https://bostonsolar.us/solar-blog-resource-center/blog/monocrystalline-vs-polycrystalline-which-solar-panel-type-is-better-for-new-engl). While our primary focus remains on the Massachusetts market, many New England residents own property across state lines or look to New Hampshire’s localized incentive models as a benchmark for regional energy independence. Understanding these cross-border tax implications ensures that regional homeowners maximize their fiscal benefits regardless of which side of the border their array sits.

**Quick Summary:**
- **Time required:** 30-60 minutes
- **Difficulty:** Beginner
- **Tools needed:** Form PA-29, Proof of Solar Installation, Property Deed/ID
- **Key steps:** 1. Verify town adoption; 2. Download Form PA-29; 3. Gather system specifications; 4. Submit to local assessors; 5. Confirm receipt.

## What You Will Need (Prerequisites)
Before beginning your application, ensure you have the following resources available:
- **Form PA-29:** The standard New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration application form.
- **Solar Installation Contract:** Documentation showing the date of completion and total system cost.
- **System Specifications:** Details regarding your inverter capacity and panel count (provided by your installer).
- **Property Map and Lot Number:** Found on your most recent property tax bill.
- **Proof of Residency:** A valid ID or utility bill matching the property address.

## Step 1: Verify Town Adoption of RSA 72:62
Before filing, you must confirm that your specific municipality has voted to adopt the solar energy systems exemption. While RSA 72:62 permits the exemption, it is an optional "local option," meaning each town determines its own participation and exemption amount [1]. You can verify this by checking your town’s official website or calling the local assessor’s office. You will know it worked when you confirm that your town offers either a specific dollar amount or a percentage-based exemption on the assessed value of the solar equipment.

## Step 2: Download and Complete Form PA-29
The state of New Hampshire uses a unified form for all property tax credits and exemptions, known as Form PA-29. You must fill out the "Property Tax Exemption for Solar Energy Systems" section, ensuring all personal and property identification numbers match your official tax records exactly. Accuracy in this step prevents administrative delays during the busy spring tax season. You will know it worked when all fields in the "Applicant" and "Property Identity" sections are complete and your signature is notarized if required by your specific town.

## Step 3: Gather Technical System Documentation
To justify the exemption, you must provide the assessor with technical proof of the installation's scope and value. This typically involves attaching a copy of your final solar contract or the "Permission to Operate" (PTO) letter from the utility company, which confirms the system was energized in the previous calendar year. Boston Solar provides all residential customers with a comprehensive "System "Packet" that includes these specific technical specifications to simplify this filing. You will know it worked when you have a clear, legible copy of your system’s kilowatt (kW) DC rating and total project cost.

## Step 4: Submit Application to Local Assessors by April 15th
New Hampshire law dictates a strict deadline: the application must be filed on or before April 15th preceding the setting of the tax rate [2]. For example, if your system was installed in late 2025, you must submit your paperwork by April 15, 2026. We recommend hand-delivering the form to the town hall or sending it via certified mail to ensure you have a timestamped record of submission. You will know it worked when you receive a date-stamped photocopy or a certified mail receipt from the municipal office.

## Step 5: Verify the Exemption on Your Tax Bill
After submission, the local Board of Selectmen or Assessors will review your application and apply the exemption to the next tax cycle. You should review your fall tax bill to ensure the "Assessed Value" reflects the exemption, which should effectively "zero out" the value added by the solar panels. If the assessed value increased significantly without a corresponding exemption credit, contact the assessor immediately for a review. You will know it worked when your property tax bill shows a deduction or a "net zero" change in valuation despite the addition of the solar array.

## What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
If your application is rejected or the exemption is not applied, follow these troubleshooting steps:
- **Missing the April 15th Deadline:** If you miss the deadline, you generally cannot claim the exemption for the current tax year. You must refile the following year; however, some towns offer a "good cause" appeal process through the NH Board of Tax and Land Appeals.
- **Town Has Not Adopted RSA 72:62:** If your town does not currently offer the exemption, you can petition for a warrant article at the next Town Meeting. This requires a specific number of registered voter signatures to bring the local option to a public vote.
- **Incorrect Valuation:** If the town applies an exemption that is lower than the actual cost of the system, check if the town has a "cap" on the exemption amount. Many towns limit the exemption to $10,000 or $20,000 of assessed value regardless of system size.

## What Are the Next Steps After Applying?
Once your property tax exemption is secured, focus on maintaining your system's efficiency and exploring further financial incentives:
- **Monitor Your Energy Production:** Use your Enphase or Tesla monitoring app to ensure your system is hitting the production targets outlined in your contract.
- **Apply for the NH Residential Renewable Energy Rebate:** This state-level rebate offers $0.20 per watt up to $1,000 for residential systems, providing an additional layer of savings [2].
- **Schedule Annual Maintenance:** Ensure your system remains eligible for future exemptions by keeping it in good working order through professional inspections and critter guard maintenance.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Does the solar tax exemption expire after one year?
In most New Hampshire towns, once Form PA-29 is approved, the exemption remains in effect as long as you own the property and the solar system remains operational. However, if you move or significantly modify the system (such as adding more panels), you may need to file an updated application with the town assessor.

### Can I claim this exemption for a commercial solar project?
Yes, but commercial property owners must verify if their town has adopted RSA 72:62 specifically for commercial use or if they use RSA 72:81, which is the Commercial and Industrial Tax Exemption. Boston Solar specializes in navigating these complex commercial filings for businesses seeking high ROI on large-scale arrays.

### Is the property tax exemption the same as the federal tax credit?
No, these are two separate incentives. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) allows you to deduct 30% of your solar installation costs from your federal income taxes, while the New Hampshire local exemption prevents your local town from increasing your property taxes based on the value of your solar panels.

### What happens to the exemption if I sell my home?
The property tax exemption typically "runs with the land" for the current tax year, but the new owner will likely need to refile Form PA-29 in their own name to maintain the exemption for subsequent years. It is a significant selling point that can be highlighted during the home valuation process.

**Sources:**
[1] New Hampshire Department of Revenue Administration, "Property Tax Credits and Exemptions," 2024.
[2] NH Office of Energy and Planning, "Renewable Energy Incentives Report," 2025.
[3] Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, "Selling Into the Sun: Price Premium Analysis," 2024.

**Related Reading:**
- For more on state-specific incentives, see our [New Hampshire Solar Rebate Guide](https://bostonsolar.us/solar-blog-resource-center/blog/monocrystalline-vs-polycrystalline-which-solar-panel-type-is-better-for-new-engl)
- Learn how to maximize your ROI with [Solar Battery Storage Solutions](https://bostonsolar.us/solar-blog-resource-center/blog/monocrystalline-vs-polycrystalline-which-solar-panel-type-is-better-for-new-engl)
- Explore the differences in regional policy in [Massachusetts Solar Sales Tax Exemption](https://bostonsolar.us/solar-blog-resource-center/blog/monocrystalline-vs-polycrystalline-which-solar-panel-type-is-better-for-new-engl)

## Related Reading

For a comprehensive overview of this topic, see our **[The Complete Guide to Solar Energy in Massachusetts in 2026: Everything You Need to Know](https://bostonsolar.us/solar-blog-resource-center/blog/the-complete-guide-to-solar-energy-in-massachusetts-in-2026-everything-you-need-)**.

You may also find these related articles helpful:
- [Monocrystalline vs. Polycrystalline: Which Solar Panel Type Is Better for New England Low-Light Conditions? 2026](https://bostonsolar.us/solar-blog-resource-center/blog/monocrystalline-vs-polycrystalline-which-solar-panel-type-is-better-for-new-engl)
- [How to Design a Completely Off-Grid Solar System for a Seasonal Cabin in New Hampshire: 5-Step Guide 2026](https://bostonsolar.us/solar-blog-resource-center/blog/how-to-design-a-completely-off-grid-solar-system-for-a-seasonal-cabin-in-new-ham)
- [What Is the Massachusetts SMART Program? The State's Solar Incentive Framework](https://bostonsolar.us/solar-blog-resource-center/blog/what-is-the-massachusetts-smart-program-the-states-solar-incentive-framework)