Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manchester, IA (2024 Update)
- Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $27,368
- 25-Year Savings: $30,505
- Payback Period: 13.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manchester
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Manchester.
In Manchester, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 9.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Manchester, the average price of going solar will be about $27,368 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.With typical savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Manchester find investing in solar can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Manchester, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Manchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,652 |
| 3 years | $-22,219 |
| 5 years | $-18,786 |
| 7 years | $-15,353 |
| 9 years | $-11,920 |
| 11 years | $-8,487 |
| 13 years | $-5,054 |
| 15 years | $-1,621 |
| 17 years | $1,812 |
| 19 years | $5,245 |
| 21 years | $8,678 |
| 23 years | $12,111 |
| 25 years | $15,544 |
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 use up a lot of your time and energy. Going with an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 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
The cost of installing a solar system in Manchester can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Manchester, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Manchester homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.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’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Manchester, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see 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 promotions 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $12,890 | 14.4 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $17,636 | 14.1 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $22,607 | 13.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $27,802 | 13.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $33,221 | 13.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $38,865 | 13.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $44,734 | 12.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $50,827 | 12.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 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, IA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Manchester?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Manchester?
Each state has some form 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 utility bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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.