Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manchester, MI (2024 Update)
- Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $17,419
- 25-Year Savings: $19,005
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manchester
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Manchester.
In Manchester, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Manchester is around 6.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,419 for a solar installation, or $24,909 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Manchester depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Manchester homeowner can save about $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Manchester, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Manchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,165 |
| 3 years | $-13,658 |
| 5 years | $-11,151 |
| 7 years | $-8,643 |
| 9 years | $-6,136 |
| 11 years | $-3,628 |
| 13 years | $-1,121 |
| 15 years | $1,386 |
| 17 years | $3,894 |
| 19 years | $6,401 |
| 21 years | $8,909 |
| 23 years | $11,416 |
| 25 years | $13,923 |
Top Solar Installers in Manchester
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you hire a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Manchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manchester
Though the average cost of a solar system in Manchester is $17,419, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Manchester, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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 many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Manchester homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $12,672 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $17,351 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $22,258 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $27,391 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $32,752 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $38,341 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $44,156 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $50,199 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable 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.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
Outstanding Local Installer
The Green Panel
- Outstanding customer service
- Excellent reputation
- Great warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Manchester, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Manchester?
The average cost of solar panels in Manchester is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Manchester?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.