Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manchester, VT (2024 Update)
- Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $14,663
- 25-Year Savings: $22,827
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manchester
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Manchester.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Manchester, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Since a 5.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Manchester, the average price of going solar will be about $14,663 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Manchester homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $24,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Manchester find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Manchester that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Manchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,302 |
| 3 years | $-10,581 |
| 5 years | $-7,859 |
| 7 years | $-5,137 |
| 9 years | $-2,415 |
| 11 years | $306 |
| 13 years | $3,028 |
| 15 years | $5,750 |
| 17 years | $8,472 |
| 19 years | $11,193 |
| 21 years | $13,915 |
| 23 years | $16,637 |
| 25 years | $19,359 |
Top Solar Installers in Manchester
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment you need.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Manchester
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manchester
For many Manchester homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Manchester, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,850.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Manchester, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.00 | $16,817 | $20,410 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.93 | $21,991 | $27,644 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.85 | $26,950 | $35,094 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.77 | $31,693 | $42,759 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.70 | $36,221 | $50,641 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.62 | $40,533 | $58,737 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.54 | $44,629 | $67,050 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.47 | $48,510 | $75,578 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Manchester, VT Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Manchester?
The average cost of solar panels in Manchester is about $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Manchester?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Manchester, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Manchester?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 household 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.