Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forsyth, IL (2025 Update)

  • Forsyth Solar Installation Cost: $16,565
  • 25-Year Savings: $12,682
  • Payback Period: 16.8 Years

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By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Updated January 24, 2025

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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forsyth

Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Forsyth.

The average cost of a solar system in Forsyth is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Forsyth is around 6.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $16,565 for a solar installation, or $23,688 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Forsyth depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Forsyth see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Forsyth

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-15,715
3 years$-14,013
5 years$-12,312
7 years$-10,611
9 years$-8,910
11 years$-7,208
13 years$-5,507
15 years$-3,806
17 years$-2,104
19 years$-403
21 years$1,298
23 years$2,999
25 years$4,701

Top Solar Installers in Forsyth

Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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See all of the solar companies in Forsyth

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forsyth

Even though the average cost of a solar system in Forsyth is $16,565, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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 over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Forsyth average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Forsyth homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.

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 choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.91$16,424$7,13217.4 years
8 kW$3.84$21,477$9,93117.1 years
10 kW$3.76$26,320$12,94016.8 years
12 kW$3.68$30,952$16,16016.4 years
14 kW$3.61$35,374$19,59016.1 years
16 kW$3.53$39,585$23,23115.8 years
18 kW$3.46$43,586$27,08215.4 years
20 kW$3.38$47,376$31,14415.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
  • Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
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EcoWatch's Forsyth, IL Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Forsyth?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,800 for a 5-kW system and $37,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Forsyth?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.

Do solar panels increase your home value?

Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Forsyth is currently $274,221, so you can expect a value of about $11,243 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Forsyth is a rewarding investment.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.

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.