Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manchester, NJ (2024 Update)
- Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $10,964
- 25-Year Savings: $9,224
- Payback Period: 15.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manchester
See how much it might cost to go solar in Manchester.
In Manchester, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 4.4-kW system would cost about $10,964 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Manchester based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Manchester can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Manchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,796 |
| 3 years | $-7,458 |
| 5 years | $-5,120 |
| 7 years | $-2,782 |
| 9 years | $-444 |
| 11 years | $1,894 |
| 13 years | $4,232 |
| 15 years | $6,570 |
| 17 years | $8,908 |
| 19 years | $11,245 |
| 21 years | $13,583 |
| 23 years | $15,921 |
| 25 years | $18,259 |
Top Solar Installers in Manchester
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Another good thing about choosing a top solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
While the average cost of a solar system in Manchester is $10,964, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $3,530. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Manchester, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Manchester to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.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 can only 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
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Manchester is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $3.67 | $15,419 | $8,688 | 16.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $11,979 | 15.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $15,468 | 15.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $19,154 | 15.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $23,039 | 14.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $27,120 | 14.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $31,400 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $35,877 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Manchester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the cost.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a quality company.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Manchester, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Manchester?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Manchester?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Manchester, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Manchester, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.