Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Manchester, PA (2023 Update)
- West Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $11,779
- 25-Year Savings: $15,365
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Manchester
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in West Manchester.
In West Manchester, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average West Manchester homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,781 with the federal tax credit, or $16,847 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. With average savings of about $16,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Manchester find investing in solar can pay off big.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in West Manchester for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in West Manchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,536 |
| 3 years | $-8,050 |
| 5 years | $-5,564 |
| 7 years | $-3,078 |
| 9 years | $-592 |
| 11 years | $1,894 |
| 13 years | $4,380 |
| 15 years | $6,866 |
| 17 years | $9,352 |
| 19 years | $11,838 |
| 21 years | $14,324 |
| 23 years | $16,809 |
| 25 years | $19,295 |
Top Solar Installers in West Manchester
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't sure which solar company 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
See all of the solar companies in West Manchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Manchester
For many West Manchester homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Manchester, 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. Some solar panel 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. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. 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. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect how much you pay. West Manchester's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $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
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:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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?
The average cost of solar panels in West Manchester is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
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 get 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.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in West Manchester, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 install 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.