Solar Panel Cost Guide in East Manchester, PA (2023 Update)
- East Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $11,781
- 25-Year Savings: $13,495
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in East Manchester
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in East Manchester.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in East Manchester it's 2.55 per watt. Since a 6.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in East Manchester, the average price of going solar will be about $11,781 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in East Manchester can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in East Manchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,770 |
| 3 years | $-8,748 |
| 5 years | $-6,726 |
| 7 years | $-4,704 |
| 9 years | $-2,682 |
| 11 years | $-660 |
| 13 years | $1,362 |
| 15 years | $3,384 |
| 17 years | $5,407 |
| 19 years | $7,429 |
| 21 years | $9,451 |
| 23 years | $11,473 |
| 25 years | $13,495 |
Top Solar Installers in East Manchester
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar company in East Manchester, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in East Manchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in East Manchester
For many East Manchester homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in East Manchester, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,550. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 limited roof space 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. It's a good idea to factor 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. East Manchester's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,843 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,076 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,452 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,971 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,633 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,438 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $39,385 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $44,475 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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 kind 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's East Manchester, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in East Manchester?
The average cost of solar panels in East Manchester is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in East Manchester, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact 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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.