Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manchester, NH (2023 Update)

  • Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $10,083
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,917
  • Payback Period: 10.1 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated March 14, 2023

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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 Manchester

Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Manchester.

In Manchester, solar panels cost about 2.91 per watt on average. Since a 5.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Manchester, the average price of going solar will be about $10,083 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Manchester homeowner can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Manchester that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Manchester

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-9,083
3 years $-7,083
5 years $-5,083
7 years $-3,083
9 years $-1,083
11 years $917
13 years $2,917
15 years $4,917
17 years $6,917
19 years $8,917
21 years $10,917
23 years $12,917
25 years $14,917

Top Solar Installers in Manchester

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

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 Manchester

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manchester

For many Manchester homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Manchester, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Manchester homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.03 $12,711 $17,583 10.5 years
8 kW $2.97 $16,622 $23,770 10.3 years
10 kW $2.91 $20,370 $30,120 10.1 years
12 kW $2.85 $23,955 $36,632 9.9 years
14 kW $2.79 $27,377 $43,308 9.7 years
16 kW $2.74 $30,636 $50,147 9.5 years
18 kW $2.68 $33,733 $57,148 9.3 years
20 kW $2.62 $36,666 $64,313 9.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

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 Manchester, NH Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Manchester is about $14,550 for a 5-kW system and $29,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Manchester?

You can't get solar panels for free in Manchester. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."

What solar power system size is right for 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

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