Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manheim, PA (Mar 2023)
- Manheim Solar Installation Cost: $11,727
- 25-Year Savings: $12,767
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manheim
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Manheim.
In Manheim, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Manheim is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,727 for a solar installation, or $16,770 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Manheim
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,748 |
| 3 years | $-8,788 |
| 5 years | $-6,829 |
| 7 years | $-4,869 |
| 9 years | $-2,909 |
| 11 years | $-950 |
| 13 years | $1,010 |
| 15 years | $2,969 |
| 17 years | $4,929 |
| 19 years | $6,888 |
| 21 years | $8,848 |
| 23 years | $10,807 |
| 25 years | $12,767 |
Top Solar Installers in Manheim
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a time-consuming project. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Manheim, optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Manheim:
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 Manheim
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manheim
For many Manheim homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Manheim, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Manheim, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
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 bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Manheim, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger 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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
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 Manheim, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Manheim?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for 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'd prefer 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 fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 how much 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 get 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.