Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forest City, IA (2023 Update)
- Forest City Solar Installation Cost: $18,848
- 25-Year Savings: $25,853
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forest City
See 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 2.77 per watt. Since a 9.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Forest City, the average price of going solar will be about $18,847 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Forest City depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Forest City see about $17,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Forest City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,131 |
| 3 years | $-13,698 |
| 5 years | $-10,265 |
| 7 years | $-6,832 |
| 9 years | $-3,399 |
| 11 years | $34 |
| 13 years | $3,467 |
| 15 years | $6,900 |
| 17 years | $10,333 |
| 19 years | $13,766 |
| 21 years | $17,199 |
| 23 years | $20,632 |
| 25 years | $24,065 |
Top Solar Installers in Forest City
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Forest City, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Forest City, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
For many Forest City homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests 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 a few factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,770 per kilowatt in Forest City. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Forest City average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Forest City, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Forest City, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $15,492 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $20,967 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $26,596 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $32,381 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $38,320 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $44,415 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $50,665 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $57,070 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forest City?
The average cost of solar panels in Forest City is about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Forest City?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Forest City?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.