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 solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 5.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs 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 cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, 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 going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Manchester for a quote 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
DIY 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. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 who want to invest in solar. There are a few key 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 discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,850. 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Manchester average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to 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 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Manchester, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
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?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,250 for a 5-kW system and $38,500 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 higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
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 feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Manchester have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind 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 give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.