Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manchester, WA (2024 Update)
- Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $11,397
- 25-Year Savings: $10,291
- Payback Period: 15.2 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.The average Manchester homeowner needs a 4.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,397 with the federal tax credit, or $16,298 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear 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.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Manchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,121 |
| 3 years | $-7,569 |
| 5 years | $-5,017 |
| 7 years | $-2,466 |
| 9 years | $86 |
| 11 years | $2,638 |
| 13 years | $5,190 |
| 15 years | $7,742 |
| 17 years | $10,294 |
| 19 years | $12,845 |
| 21 years | $15,397 |
| 23 years | $17,949 |
| 25 years | $20,501 |
Top Solar Installers in Manchester
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Using a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Manchester: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Manchester, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Manchester, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $9,113 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $12,553 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $16,193 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $20,035 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $24,078 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $28,322 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $32,767 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $37,413 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Manchester?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Manchester?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Manchester have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future utility 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?
To figure out what solar panel system size 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 usually 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.