Solar Panel Cost Guide in Manchester, CT (2024 Update)

  • Manchester Solar Installation Cost: $12,323
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,819
  • Payback Period: 11.4 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 20, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Manchester

We go over average solar pricing in Manchester.

The average cost of a solar system in Manchester is 4 per watt.Since a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Manchester, the average price of going solar will be about $12,323 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Manchester depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With average savings of about $22,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Manchester find investing in solar can pay off big.

To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Manchester, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Manchester

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-10,479
3 years$-6,791
5 years$-3,103
7 years$585
9 years$4,273
11 years$7,961
13 years$11,649
15 years$15,337
17 years$19,025
19 years$22,713
21 years$26,401
23 years$30,089
25 years$33,777

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. Hiring an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

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 primary factors that determine your overall cost 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

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. 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 choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Manchester, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.90$16,380$18,15411.9 years
8 kW$3.83$21,420$24,62611.6 years
10 kW$3.75$26,250$31,30711.4 years
12 kW$3.67$30,870$38,19811.2 years
14 kW$3.60$35,280$45,30010.9 years
16 kW$3.52$39,480$52,61110.7 years
18 kW$3.45$43,470$60,13310.5 years
20 kW$3.38$47,250$67,86410.3 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many companies available in Manchester, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Manchester, CT Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Manchester?

The average cost of solar panels in Manchester is about $18,750 for a 5-kW system and $37,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How will solar panels impact my home value?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."

How long do solar panels last in Manchester?

On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.