Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forest City, FL (2023 Update)
- Forest City Solar Installation Cost: $9,904
- 25-Year Savings: $22,022
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forest City
We break down average solar pricing in Forest City.
In Forest City, solar panels cost about 2.53 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $9,900 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The true cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Forest City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,797 |
| 3 years | $-9,585 |
| 5 years | $-9,372 |
| 7 years | $-9,159 |
| 9 years | $-8,946 |
| 11 years | $-8,733 |
| 13 years | $-8,520 |
| 15 years | $-8,308 |
| 17 years | $-8,095 |
| 19 years | $-7,882 |
| 21 years | $-7,669 |
| 23 years | $-7,456 |
| 25 years | $-7,243 |
Top Solar Installers in Forest City
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Another benefit of going with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
See all of the solar companies in Forest City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forest City
For many Forest City homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Forest City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels 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 determine by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,530 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Forest City homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Forest City, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $2.63 | $11,051 | $23,202 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $31,220 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $39,379 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $47,680 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $56,122 | 7.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $64,707 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $73,433 | 7.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $82,300 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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
EcoWatch's Forest City, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forest City?
The average cost of solar panels in Forest City is about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront 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 areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Forest City, 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 many solar panels should I get to power 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 install 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.