Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forestbrook, SC (2023 Update)
- Forestbrook Solar Installation Cost: $14,605
- 25-Year Savings: $30,790
- Payback Period: 8.0 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forestbrook
We break down average solar pricing in Forestbrook.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Forestbrook, the average cost of a solar system is 2.72 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Forestbrook is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,604 for a solar installation, or $20,884 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Forestbrook homeowners. The cost 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. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Forestbrook homeowner can save around $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Forestbrook, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Forestbrook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,823 |
| 3 years | $-9,259 |
| 5 years | $-5,695 |
| 7 years | $-2,131 |
| 9 years | $1,433 |
| 11 years | $4,997 |
| 13 years | $8,561 |
| 15 years | $12,125 |
| 17 years | $15,689 |
| 19 years | $19,253 |
| 21 years | $22,817 |
| 23 years | $26,381 |
| 25 years | $29,945 |
Top Solar Installers in Forestbrook
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Forestbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forestbrook
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Forestbrook: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need 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 $2,720. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Forestbrook average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Forestbrook have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Forestbrook homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Forestbrook, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to 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 names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.83 | $11,881 | $23,627 | 8.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.77 | $15,537 | $31,807 | 8.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.72 | $19,040 | $40,140 | 8.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.67 | $22,391 | $48,624 | 7.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.61 | $25,590 | $57,262 | 7.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.56 | $28,636 | $66,051 | 7.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.50 | $31,530 | $74,993 | 7.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.45 | $34,272 | $84,087 | 7.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the total cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 Forestbrook, SC Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Forestbrook?
The average cost of solar panels in Forestbrook is about $13,600 for a 5-kW system and $27,200 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Forestbrook?
You can't get solar panels for free in Forestbrook. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Forestbrook?
Each state has some form 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 energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Forestbrook?
Though 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 how much energy they produce 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.