Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manheim, PA (2024 Update)
- Manheim Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
- 25-Year Savings: $12,763
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manheim
We go over average solar pricing in Manheim.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Manheim, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Manheim homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,331 with the federal tax credit, or $23,353 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Manheim homeowners see about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized 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 | $-15,015 |
| 3 years | $-12,383 |
| 5 years | $-9,750 |
| 7 years | $-7,118 |
| 9 years | $-4,485 |
| 11 years | $-1,852 |
| 13 years | $780 |
| 15 years | $3,413 |
| 17 years | $6,045 |
| 19 years | $8,678 |
| 21 years | $11,310 |
| 23 years | $13,943 |
| 25 years | $16,575 |
Top Solar Installers in Manheim
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be hard. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Manheim
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manheim
For many Manheim homeowners, the decision to install solar panels 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 various factors that significantly 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 going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better 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 limited 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 completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Manheim, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Manheim know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of 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 end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,856 | 17.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,539 | 17.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,421 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,501 | 16.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,781 | 16.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,259 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,936 | 15.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,811 | 15.0 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Manheim, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Manheim?
The average cost of solar panels in Manheim is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Manheim?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $745.41 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.