Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Manchester, PA (2024 Update)
- West Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $16,398
- 25-Year Savings: $14,676
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Manchester
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in West Manchester.
In West Manchester, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average West Manchester homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,398 with the federal tax credit, or $23,449 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in West Manchester can save around $16,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in West Manchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,155 |
| 3 years | $-12,669 |
| 5 years | $-10,183 |
| 7 years | $-7,697 |
| 9 years | $-5,211 |
| 11 years | $-2,726 |
| 13 years | $-240 |
| 15 years | $2,246 |
| 17 years | $4,732 |
| 19 years | $7,218 |
| 21 years | $9,704 |
| 23 years | $12,190 |
| 25 years | $14,676 |
Top Solar Installers in West Manchester
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring an installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 West Manchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Manchester
There are a number of factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $3,550. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in West Manchester offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in West Manchester is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $9,174 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,630 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $16,284 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $20,137 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $24,189 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $28,440 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $32,889 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $37,538 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before signing 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 certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 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 $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.