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:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Manheim

We break down average solar pricing in West Manheim.

The average cost of solar panels in West Manheim is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in West Manheim, most homeowners require a 6.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,398, or $23,449 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $16,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in West Manheim find investing in solar can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a customized quote.

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

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in West Manheim, optimizing your ROI.

Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

For many West Manheim homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Manheim, 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

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in West Manheim, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like West Manheim, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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 Manheim have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in West Manheim is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.

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

Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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

How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Manheim?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Does West Manheim have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.

How many solar panels do I need 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.

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