Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forward, PA (2023 Update)
- Forward Solar Installation Cost: $12,441
- 25-Year Savings: $12,071
- Payback Period: 12.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forward
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Forward.
In Forward, solar panels cost about 2.55 per watt on average. The average Forward homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,441 with the federal tax credit, or $17,791 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Forward find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Forward
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,461 |
| 3 years | $-9,500 |
| 5 years | $-7,539 |
| 7 years | $-5,578 |
| 9 years | $-3,617 |
| 11 years | $-1,656 |
| 13 years | $305 |
| 15 years | $2,266 |
| 17 years | $4,227 |
| 19 years | $6,188 |
| 21 years | $8,149 |
| 23 years | $10,110 |
| 25 years | $12,071 |
Top Solar Installers in Forward
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Forward, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Forward
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forward
The cost of installing a solar system in Forward can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels 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 better efficiency or power generation 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 $2,550. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Forward, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Forward's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $9,962 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $13,568 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $17,318 | 12.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $21,210 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $25,244 | 12.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $29,422 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $33,742 | 11.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $38,205 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind 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 select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Forward, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forward?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial 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 be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Forward?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for lots of 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of 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 install 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.