Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manchester, IA (2023 Update)
- Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $18,905
- 25-Year Savings: $30,505
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manchester
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Manchester.
The average cost of a solar system in Manchester is 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Manchester is around 9.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,905 for a solar installation, or $27,034 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Manchester based on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Manchester can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Manchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,929 |
| 3 years | $-12,976 |
| 5 years | $-9,023 |
| 7 years | $-5,070 |
| 9 years | $-1,118 |
| 11 years | $2,835 |
| 13 years | $6,788 |
| 15 years | $10,741 |
| 17 years | $14,694 |
| 19 years | $18,646 |
| 21 years | $22,599 |
| 23 years | $26,552 |
| 25 years | $30,505 |
Top Solar Installers in Manchester
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be useful as well, especially if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Manchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manchester
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Manchester: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,770. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Manchester average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Manchester, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Manchester, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Manchester have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $18,307 | 9.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $24,719 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $31,287 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $38,009 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $44,887 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $51,920 | 9.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $59,108 | 8.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $66,451 | 8.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the completion timeline.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Manchester, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Manchester?
The average cost of solar panels in Manchester is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Manchester?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Manchester is currently $125,000, which means you can look forward to a value of about $5,125 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Manchester is a fruitful investment.
How long do solar panels last in Manchester?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.