Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manheim, PA (2023 Update)
- Manheim Solar Installation Cost: $11,731
- 25-Year Savings: $12,763
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manheim
We break down average solar pricing in Manheim.
In Manheim, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Manheim, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,727, or $16,770 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Manheim depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Manheim can save about $14,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Manheim
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,649 |
| 3 years | $-11,486 |
| 5 years | $-11,323 |
| 7 years | $-11,160 |
| 9 years | $-10,996 |
| 11 years | $-10,833 |
| 13 years | $-10,670 |
| 15 years | $-10,506 |
| 17 years | $-10,343 |
| 19 years | $-10,180 |
| 21 years | $-10,016 |
| 23 years | $-9,853 |
| 25 years | $-9,690 |
Top Solar Installers in Manheim
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Another advantage of utilizing a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Manheim: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Manheim, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Manheim average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Manheim, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Manheim's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more 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 lower 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,224 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,251 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $19,421 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $23,733 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $28,189 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $32,787 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $37,528 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $42,411 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many 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:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
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, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Manheim?
The average cost of solar panels in Manheim 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 model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Manheim?
You can't get solar panels for free in Manheim. 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.