Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manlius, IL (2025 Update)

  • Manlius Solar Installation Cost: $16,938
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,895
  • Payback Period: 18.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manlius

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Manlius.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Manlius it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.4-kW system would cost about $16,938 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Manlius depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on energy bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Manlius

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,782
3 years$-13,469
5 years$-11,157
7 years$-8,845
9 years$-6,532
11 years$-4,220
13 years$-1,908
15 years$405
17 years$2,717
19 years$5,029
21 years$7,342
23 years$9,654
25 years$11,966

Top Solar Installers in Manlius

Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.

If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

Advertisement

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Manlius

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manlius

Although the average cost of a solar system in Manlius is $16,938, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,760.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Manlius, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Manlius homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect the cost. Manlius’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.91$16,424$5,20019.0 years
8 kW$3.84$21,477$7,35418.6 years
10 kW$3.76$26,320$9,71918.3 years
12 kW$3.68$30,952$12,29517.9 years
14 kW$3.61$35,374$15,08117.5 years
16 kW$3.53$39,585$18,07817.2 years
18 kW$3.46$43,586$21,28516.8 years
20 kW$3.38$47,376$24,70316.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Manlius, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
Advertisement

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Manlius, IL Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Manlius?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Manlius?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Manlius?

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.

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.