Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manchester, NY (2023 Update)
- Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $9,520
- 25-Year Savings: $6,938
- Payback Period: 14.5 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manchester
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Manchester.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Manchester, the typical cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $9,520 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Manchester based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Manchester, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Manchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,861 |
| 3 years | $-7,545 |
| 5 years | $-6,228 |
| 7 years | $-4,912 |
| 9 years | $-3,595 |
| 11 years | $-2,278 |
| 13 years | $-962 |
| 15 years | $355 |
| 17 years | $1,671 |
| 19 years | $2,988 |
| 21 years | $4,305 |
| 23 years | $5,621 |
| 25 years | $6,938 |
Top Solar Installers in Manchester
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Manchester:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Manchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manchester
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Manchester: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. That's why it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Manchester homeowners choose 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 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Manchester, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.07 | $12,886 | $8,537 | 15.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $11,713 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $15,054 | 14.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $18,561 | 14.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $22,232 | 13.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $26,069 | 13.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $30,071 | 13.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $34,238 | 13.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Manchester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and kinds of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Manchester, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Manchester?
The average cost of solar panels in Manchester is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Manchester?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $714.08 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.