Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forty Fort, PA (2024 Update)
- Forty Fort Solar Installation Cost: $17,265
- 25-Year Savings: $8,807
- Payback Period: 20.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forty Fort
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Forty Fort.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Forty Fort generally cost about 4.Using this figure, a typical 6.9-kW system would cost about $17,265 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Forty Fort depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With typical savings of about $12,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Forty Fort find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Forty Fort
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,919 |
| 3 years | $-13,228 |
| 5 years | $-10,537 |
| 7 years | $-7,845 |
| 9 years | $-5,154 |
| 11 years | $-2,463 |
| 13 years | $228 |
| 15 years | $2,919 |
| 17 years | $5,611 |
| 19 years | $8,302 |
| 21 years | $10,993 |
| 23 years | $13,684 |
| 25 years | $16,375 |
Top Solar Installers in Forty Fort
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company as well, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
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
See all of the solar companies in Forty Fort
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forty Fort
For many Forty Fort homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Forty Fort, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Forty Fort, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $2,809 | 21.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $4,143 | 20.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $5,676 | 20.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $7,408 | 19.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $9,338 | 19.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $11,467 | 19.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $13,795 | 18.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $16,322 | 18.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose significantly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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
EcoWatch's Forty Fort, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forty Fort?
The average cost of solar panels in Forty Fort is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Forty Fort?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Forty Fort?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them once you've had 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.