Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manheim, PA (2024 Update)
- Manheim Solar Installation Cost: $16,331
- 25-Year Savings: $12,763
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manheim
We go over average solar pricing in Manheim.
In Manheim, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Manheim is around 6.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,331 for a solar installation, or $23,353 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Manheim
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,015 |
| 3 years | $-12,383 |
| 5 years | $-9,750 |
| 7 years | $-7,118 |
| 9 years | $-4,485 |
| 11 years | $-1,852 |
| 13 years | $780 |
| 15 years | $3,413 |
| 17 years | $6,045 |
| 19 years | $8,678 |
| 21 years | $11,310 |
| 23 years | $13,943 |
| 25 years | $16,575 |
Top Solar Installers in Manheim
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since installing solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Because solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are various 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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Manheim
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Manheim
For many Manheim homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Manheim, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Manheim average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Manheim have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Manheim, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $6,856 | 17.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $9,539 | 17.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $12,421 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $15,501 | 16.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $18,781 | 16.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $22,259 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $25,936 | 15.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $29,811 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Manheim, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you hire.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Manheim, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Manheim?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Manheim?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 maximize your savings.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Manheim, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Manheim?
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 higher level 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.