Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Manchester, PA (2023 Update)
- West Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $11,781
- 25-Year Savings: $15,363
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Manchester
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in West Manchester.
In West Manchester, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.6-kW system would cost about $11,781 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average West Manchester homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Manchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,695 |
| 3 years | $-8,524 |
| 5 years | $-6,352 |
| 7 years | $-4,181 |
| 9 years | $-2,009 |
| 11 years | $162 |
| 13 years | $2,334 |
| 15 years | $4,506 |
| 17 years | $6,677 |
| 19 years | $8,849 |
| 21 years | $11,020 |
| 23 years | $13,192 |
| 25 years | $15,363 |
Top Solar Installers in West Manchester
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a difficult project. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in West Manchester:
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 West Manchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Manchester
The cost of installing a solar system in West 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 installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation need 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. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like West Manchester, 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
Most solar installers in West Manchester offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for West Manchester homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout West Manchester, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in West Manchester have more knowledge 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $13,542 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,342 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $23,284 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $28,369 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $33,597 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,968 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $44,481 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $50,138 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- 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 project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
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 West Manchester, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Manchester?
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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in West Manchester?
You can't get solar panels for free in West Manchester. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
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 $822.68 per year.
How long do solar panels last in West Manchester?
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 after having 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.