Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forest City, FL (2024 Update)
- Forest City Solar Installation Cost: $12,566
- 25-Year Savings: $22,022
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forest City
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Forest City.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Forest City, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.The average Forest City homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,566 with the federal tax credit, or $17,969 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Forest City can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Forest City for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Forest City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,791 |
| 3 years | $-7,241 |
| 5 years | $-3,692 |
| 7 years | $-142 |
| 9 years | $3,407 |
| 11 years | $6,957 |
| 13 years | $10,506 |
| 15 years | $14,056 |
| 17 years | $17,606 |
| 19 years | $21,155 |
| 21 years | $24,705 |
| 23 years | $28,254 |
| 25 years | $31,804 |
Top Solar Installers in Forest City
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Another great thing about choosing a vetted solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Forest City:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Forest City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forest City
The cost of installing a solar system in Forest City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Forest City, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,210 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Forest City average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Forest City homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Forest City is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that 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 come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.34 | $14,021 | $20,232 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $27,336 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $34,619 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $42,082 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $49,725 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $57,548 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $65,550 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $73,732 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Forest City, 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:
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Forest City, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forest City?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value 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 solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.