Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manchester, VA (2024 Update)
- Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $19,466
- 25-Year Savings: $4,220
- Payback Period: 25.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manchester
We go over average solar pricing in Manchester.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Manchester it’s 4 per watt.Because a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Manchester, the average price of going solar will be about $19,466 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may differ based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $9,900 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Manchester for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Manchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,867 |
| 3 years | $-14,669 |
| 5 years | $-11,471 |
| 7 years | $-8,273 |
| 9 years | $-5,075 |
| 11 years | $-1,877 |
| 13 years | $1,321 |
| 15 years | $4,518 |
| 17 years | $7,716 |
| 19 years | $10,914 |
| 21 years | $14,112 |
| 23 years | $17,310 |
| 25 years | $20,508 |
Top Solar Installers in Manchester
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since installing solar panels by yourself can be hard. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Manchester, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Manchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manchester
Though the average cost of a solar system in Manchester is $19,466, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Manchester provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Manchester is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $-863 | 26.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $-748 | 25.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $-433 | 25.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $84 | 24.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $802 | 24.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $1,720 | 23.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $2,840 | 23.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $4,161 | 22.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Manchester, VA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Manchester?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Manchester?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $493.95 per year.
What solar power system size is right for 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 buy 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.