Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forsyth, GA (2024 Update)
- Forsyth Solar Installation Cost: $17,391
- 25-Year Savings: $21,606
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forsyth
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Forsyth.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Forsyth, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Forsyth homeowner needs a 6.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,391 with the federal tax credit, or $24,869 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Forsyth homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Forsyth for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Forsyth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,798 |
| 3 years | $-12,611 |
| 5 years | $-9,425 |
| 7 years | $-6,239 |
| 9 years | $-3,052 |
| 11 years | $134 |
| 13 years | $3,321 |
| 15 years | $6,507 |
| 17 years | $9,694 |
| 19 years | $12,880 |
| 21 years | $16,067 |
| 23 years | $19,253 |
| 25 years | $22,440 |
Top Solar Installers in Forsyth
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Forsyth:
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 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 Forsyth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forsyth
Though the average cost of a solar system in Forsyth is $17,391, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 around $3,740. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will considerably affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Forsyth to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Forsyth is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $3.89 | $16,336 | $13,889 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $18,937 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $24,195 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $29,663 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $35,339 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $41,226 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $47,321 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $53,626 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Forsyth, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, 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 how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure 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 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 Forsyth, GA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forsyth?
The average cost of solar panels in Forsyth is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Forsyth?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Forsyth?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.