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

  • Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $16,398
  • 25-Year Savings: $14,676
  • Payback Period: 15.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 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

Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Manchester.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Manchester generally cost about 4.The average Manchester homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,398 with the federal tax credit, or $23,449 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Manchester depending on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Manchester, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Manchester

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,155
3 years$-12,669
5 years$-10,183
7 years$-7,697
9 years$-5,211
11 years$-2,726
13 years$-240
15 years$2,246
17 years$4,732
19 years$7,218
21 years$9,704
23 years$12,190
25 years$14,676

Top Solar Installers in Manchester

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Manchester:

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

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

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 dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,550. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Manchester average.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in Manchester have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Manchester is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Manchester have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.69$15,506$8,27616.3 years
8 kW$3.62$20,278$11,43216.0 years
10 kW$3.55$24,850$14,78715.7 years
12 kW$3.48$29,224$18,34115.4 years
14 kW$3.41$33,398$22,09315.0 years
16 kW$3.34$37,374$26,04514.7 years
18 kW$3.27$41,152$30,19514.4 years
20 kW$3.19$44,730$34,54414.1 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 brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
  • Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.

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

Solar Veteran

Trinity Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Many financing options
  • Family-owned and -operated
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Limited service area
  • Relatively short workmanship warranty

EcoWatch's Manchester, PA Solar Cost FAQs

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

The average cost of solar panels in Manchester is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

Can you get solar panels for free in Manchester?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Manchester. However, you may still be able to get 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.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Manchester?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.