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.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Manchester it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Manchester, most homeowners require a 4.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,964, or $15,679 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can be above or below the average in Manchester based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-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 | $-9,796 |
| 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
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Manchester can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Manchester, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, 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 increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Manchester, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.67 | $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 large number of companies available in Manchester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the endurance of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Manchester is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
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.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to erase 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 long do solar panels last in Manchester?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.