Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manchester, NY (2024 Update)

  • Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $11,777
  • 25-Year Savings: $6,939
  • Payback Period: 17.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated April 21, 2024

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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 have a look at the average cost of solar in Manchester.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Manchester typically cost around 4.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Manchester, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,777, or $16,841 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Manchester homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Manchester homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Manchester, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Manchester

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-10,911
3 years$-9,179
5 years$-7,447
7 years$-5,714
9 years$-3,982
11 years$-2,250
13 years$-518
15 years$1,214
17 years$2,946
19 years$4,678
21 years$6,411
23 years$8,143
25 years$9,875

Top Solar Installers in Manchester

Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, 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 reduce the cost of maintenance in the long run.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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 Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

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 a solar energy system rests on 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 considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,650.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Manchester, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Manchester, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies 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 with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.80$15,943$5,47918.6 years
8 kW$3.72$20,849$7,71518.2 years
10 kW$3.65$25,550$10,15417.9 years
12 kW$3.58$30,047$12,79817.5 years
14 kW$3.50$34,339$15,64717.2 years
16 kW$3.43$38,427$18,69916.8 years
18 kW$3.36$42,311$21,95716.5 years
20 kW$3.29$45,990$25,41816.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.

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 Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

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, NY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Manchester?

The average cost of solar panels in Manchester is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Can you get solar panels for free in Manchester?

Solar panels aren’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 further reduce the cost.

How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Manchester is currently $215,823, so you could be looking at a value of about $8,849 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Manchester is a worthwhile investment.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.