Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forest City, IA (2024 Update)

  • Forest City Solar Installation Cost: $27,285
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,853
  • Payback Period: 15.3 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Forest City

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Forest City.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Forest City it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Forest City is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $27,285 for a solar installation, or $39,018 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Forest City homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Forest City, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Forest City

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-25,569
3 years $-22,136
5 years $-18,703
7 years $-15,270
9 years $-11,837
11 years $-8,404
13 years $-4,971
15 years $-1,538
17 years $1,895
19 years $5,328
21 years $8,761
23 years $12,194
25 years $15,627

Top Solar Installers in Forest City

When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar installers provide can be invaluable as well, especially if you aren’t sure what type of solar equipment you need.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Forest City:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 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 most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Forest City, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Forest City, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger 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 $4.17 $17,516 $10,076 15.9 years
8 kW $4.09 $22,905 $13,884 15.6 years
10 kW $4.01 $28,070 $17,916 15.3 years
12 kW $3.93 $33,010 $22,173 15.0 years
14 kW $3.85 $37,726 $26,654 14.6 years
16 kW $3.77 $42,217 $31,360 14.3 years
18 kW $3.69 $46,484 $36,291 14.0 years
20 kW $3.61 $50,526 $41,446 13.7 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies available in Forest City, 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:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a quality company.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Forest City, IA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Forest City?

The average cost of solar panels in Forest City is about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 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.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Forest City?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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.

Does Forest City have a net metering program?

Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.

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