Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forsyth, MI (2024 Update)
- Forsyth Solar Installation Cost: $17,972
- 25-Year Savings: $36,575
- Payback Period: 9.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forsyth
We break down average solar pricing 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.Using this figure, a typical 6.3-kW system would cost about $17,972 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Forsyth homeowner can save around $29,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Forsyth that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Forsyth
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,178 |
| 3 years | $-12,588 |
| 5 years | $-8,999 |
| 7 years | $-5,409 |
| 9 years | $-1,820 |
| 11 years | $1,769 |
| 13 years | $5,359 |
| 15 years | $8,948 |
| 17 years | $12,538 |
| 19 years | $16,127 |
| 21 years | $19,717 |
| 23 years | $23,306 |
| 25 years | $26,895 |
Top Solar Installers in Forsyth
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money over time.
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 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
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Forsyth
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forsyth
For many Forsyth homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Forsyth, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly 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 installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,060 per kilowatt in Forsyth.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Forsyth, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Forsyth, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Forsyth homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of green energy solutions in Forsyth, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $28,769 | 9.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $38,814 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $49,086 | 9.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $59,585 | 9.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $70,312 | 8.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $81,266 | 8.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $92,447 | 8.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $103,856 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Forsyth, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Forsyth, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Forsyth?
The average cost of solar panels in Forsyth is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as 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 initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Forsyth, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.