Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forks, PA (2024 Update)
- Forks Solar Installation Cost: $16,665
- 25-Year Savings: $13,627
- Payback Period: 16.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forks
We break down average solar pricing in Forks.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Forks it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Forks, most homeowners require a 6.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $16,665, or $23,831 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Forks based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the large initial cost, the average Forks homeowner can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a top solar installer in Forks, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Forks
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-15,422 |
3 years | $-12,936 |
5 years | $-10,450 |
7 years | $-7,964 |
9 years | $-5,478 |
11 years | $-2,992 |
13 years | $-506 |
15 years | $1,980 |
17 years | $4,466 |
19 years | $6,952 |
21 years | $9,438 |
23 years | $11,923 |
25 years | $14,409 |
Top Solar Installers in Forks
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Forks
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forks
For many Forks homeowners, the decision to install solar panels 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 a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Forks, which can bring down, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Forks, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Forks know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $7,395 | 16.9 years |
8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $10,258 | 16.6 years |
10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $13,319 | 16.3 years |
12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $16,579 | 16.0 years |
14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $20,038 | 15.6 years |
16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $23,696 | 15.3 years |
18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $27,553 | 15.0 years |
20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $31,608 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Forks, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Forks, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forks?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 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 higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Forks?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.