Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Manheim, PA (2024 Update)
- West Manheim Solar Installation Cost: $16,398
- 25-Year Savings: $15,365
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Manheim
We break down average solar pricing in West Manheim.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Manheim, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in West Manheim is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,398 for a solar installation, or $23,449 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in West Manheim can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in West Manheim that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in West Manheim
| 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 Manheim
Many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in West Manheim, thereby optimizing your ROI.
Working with a professional solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Manheim
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Manheim
There are several criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in West Manheim to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for West Manheim homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. West Manheim’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within 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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable 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 previous customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed 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 West Manheim, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Manheim?
The average cost of solar panels in West Manheim 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 certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in West Manheim?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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.