Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forks, PA (2023 Update)
- Forks Solar Installation Cost: $11,977
- 25-Year Savings: $13,620
- Payback Period: 11.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forks
We break down average solar pricing in Forks.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Forks, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. Because a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Forks, the average price of going solar will be about $11,977 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Forks can save around $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Forks
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,953 |
| 3 years | $-8,906 |
| 5 years | $-6,858 |
| 7 years | $-4,810 |
| 9 years | $-2,762 |
| 11 years | $-715 |
| 13 years | $1,333 |
| 15 years | $3,381 |
| 17 years | $5,429 |
| 19 years | $7,477 |
| 21 years | $9,524 |
| 23 years | $11,572 |
| 25 years | $13,620 |
Top Solar Installers in Forks
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Forks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forks
For many Forks homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Forks, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,550. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Forks to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. Although solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Forks homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
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 Forks is the company you get to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $11,763 | 12.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $15,970 | 11.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $20,319 | 11.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $24,811 | 11.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $29,446 | 11.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $34,224 | 11.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $39,145 | 10.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $44,208 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Forks, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you're worried about the durability of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Forks, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forks?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Forks?
A solar panel system isn't free in Forks, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
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 Forks is currently $268,400, so you can look forward to a value of about $11,004 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Forks is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 home 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.
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.