Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forest Acres, SC (2024 Update)
- Forest Acres Solar Installation Cost: $19,102
- 25-Year Savings: $31,584
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forest Acres
Here’s how much it might cost to go solar in Forest Acres.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Forest Acres generally cost around 3.Using this figure, a typical 7.9-kW system would cost about $19,102 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Forest Acres homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Forest Acres, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Forest Acres
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,362 |
| 3 years | $-13,881 |
| 5 years | $-10,400 |
| 7 years | $-6,919 |
| 9 years | $-3,439 |
| 11 years | $42 |
| 13 years | $3,523 |
| 15 years | $7,004 |
| 17 years | $10,485 |
| 19 years | $13,965 |
| 21 years | $17,446 |
| 23 years | $20,927 |
| 25 years | $24,408 |
Top Solar Installers in Forest Acres
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and expertise. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Forest Acres
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forest Acres
Although the average cost of a solar system in Forest Acres is $19,102, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,450. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Forest Acres homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When considering 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 company you choose to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Forest Acres, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.59 | $15,070 | $20,312 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $27,469 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $34,820 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $42,363 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $50,100 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $58,030 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $66,153 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $74,470 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Forest Acres, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forest Acres?
The average cost of solar panels in Forest Acres is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Forest Acres?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Forest Acres have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Forest Acres?
Even though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.