Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manheim, NY (2023 Update)
- Manheim Solar Installation Cost: $9,645
- 25-Year Savings: $6,562
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manheim
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Manheim.
The average cost of a solar system in Manheim is 2.95 per watt. The average Manheim homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,644 with the federal tax credit, or $13,791 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Manheim see about $13,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Manheim that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Manheim
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,736 |
| 3 years | $-6,919 |
| 5 years | $-5,102 |
| 7 years | $-3,285 |
| 9 years | $-1,468 |
| 11 years | $349 |
| 13 years | $2,166 |
| 15 years | $3,984 |
| 17 years | $5,801 |
| 19 years | $7,618 |
| 21 years | $9,435 |
| 23 years | $11,252 |
| 25 years | $13,069 |
Top Solar Installers in Manheim
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. The expertise that solar companies offer can be valuable as well, particularly if you aren't sure what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 Manheim
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manheim
While the average cost of a solar system in Manheim is $9,644, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Manheim, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,950 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Manheim, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. 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 Manheim to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Manheim homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Manheim's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $7,934 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $10,909 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $14,049 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $17,355 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $20,825 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $24,461 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $28,262 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $32,228 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Manheim, 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:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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 Manheim, NY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Manheim?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. 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 Manheim?
You can't get solar panels for free in Manheim. 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.
Is it worth going solar in Manheim?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 average daily 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.