Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forest Park, OH (2023 Update)
- Forest Park Solar Installation Cost: $13,240
- 25-Year Savings: $10,949
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forest Park
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Forest Park.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Forest Park typically cost around 2.56. Using this figure, a typical 7.4-kW system would cost about $13,243 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. With typical savings of about $12,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Forest Park find going solar can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Forest Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,159 |
| 3 years | $-12,998 |
| 5 years | $-12,837 |
| 7 years | $-12,676 |
| 9 years | $-12,514 |
| 11 years | $-12,353 |
| 13 years | $-12,192 |
| 15 years | $-12,031 |
| 17 years | $-11,869 |
| 19 years | $-11,708 |
| 21 years | $-11,547 |
| 23 years | $-11,386 |
| 25 years | $-11,224 |
Top Solar Installers in Forest Park
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives and by offering warranties and repairs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Forest Park, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Forest Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forest Park
For many Forest Park homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Forest Park, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably 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 electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,560 per kilowatt in Forest Park. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Forest Park homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Forest Park's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Forest Park have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.66 | $11,182 | $8,461 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $11,568 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $14,818 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $18,212 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $21,749 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $25,430 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $29,253 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $33,221 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the 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:
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- 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: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Forest Park, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Forest Park?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Forest Park have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
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 take a 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.