Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manchester, NH (2024 Update)
- Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $14,627
- 25-Year Savings: $14,914
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manchester
We break down average solar pricing in Manchester.
In Manchester, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Manchester, most homeowners require a 5.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,627, or $20,917 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Manchester homeowner can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Manchester
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,220 |
| 3 years | $-10,406 |
| 5 years | $-7,593 |
| 7 years | $-4,779 |
| 9 years | $-1,966 |
| 11 years | $848 |
| 13 years | $3,662 |
| 15 years | $6,475 |
| 17 years | $9,289 |
| 19 years | $12,103 |
| 21 years | $14,916 |
| 23 years | $17,730 |
| 25 years | $20,544 |
Top Solar Installers in Manchester
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost 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
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $4,220. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Manchester, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Manchester have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.39 | $18,433 | $11,861 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.30 | $24,105 | $16,287 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $4.22 | $29,540 | $20,950 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $4.14 | $34,739 | $25,848 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $4.05 | $39,702 | $30,984 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.97 | $44,428 | $36,355 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.88 | $48,918 | $41,963 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.80 | $53,172 | $47,807 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Manchester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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, NH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Manchester?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $21,100 for a 5-kW system and $42,200 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive 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 get 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.