Solar Panel Cost Guide in Park Forest Village, PA (2023 Update)
- Park Forest Village Solar Installation Cost: $12,513
- 25-Year Savings: $8,531
- Payback Period: 14.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Park Forest Village
We break down average solar pricing in Park Forest Village.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Park Forest Village generally cost around 2.55. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,513 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Park Forest Village depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Despite the large initial cost, the average Park Forest Village homeowner can save around $11,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Park Forest Village that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Park Forest Village
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,671 |
| 3 years | $-9,988 |
| 5 years | $-8,304 |
| 7 years | $-6,621 |
| 9 years | $-4,937 |
| 11 years | $-3,254 |
| 13 years | $-1,570 |
| 15 years | $113 |
| 17 years | $1,797 |
| 19 years | $3,480 |
| 21 years | $5,164 |
| 23 years | $6,847 |
| 25 years | $8,531 |
Top Solar Installers in Park Forest Village
When going solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar installer since handling can be a challenging project. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Park Forest Village, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. 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
See all of the solar companies in Park Forest Village
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Park Forest Village
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Park Forest Village: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Park Forest Village, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,550 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to install 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 out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Park Forest Village, 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 loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Park Forest Village, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $6,877 | 15.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $9,455 | 15.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $12,176 | 14.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $15,040 | 14.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $18,046 | 14.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $21,195 | 14.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $24,487 | 13.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $27,922 | 13.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
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 Park Forest Village, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Park Forest Village?
The average cost of solar panels in Park Forest Village is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Park Forest Village have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.