Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forestbrook, SC (2024 Update)
- Forestbrook Solar Installation Cost: $18,525
- 25-Year Savings: $30,790
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forestbrook
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Forestbrook.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Forestbrook typically cost about 3.Because a 7.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Forestbrook, the average price of going solar will be about $18,525 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may differ based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Forestbrook can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Forestbrook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,743 |
| 3 years | $-13,179 |
| 5 years | $-9,615 |
| 7 years | $-6,051 |
| 9 years | $-2,487 |
| 11 years | $1,077 |
| 13 years | $4,641 |
| 15 years | $8,205 |
| 17 years | $11,769 |
| 19 years | $15,333 |
| 21 years | $18,897 |
| 23 years | $22,461 |
| 25 years | $26,025 |
Top Solar Installers in Forestbrook
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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
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 Forestbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forestbrook
There are several factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,450. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think 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 researching a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Forestbrook provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Forestbrook is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger 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 | $20,438 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $27,637 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $35,030 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $42,615 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $50,394 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $58,366 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $66,531 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $74,889 | 9.2 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
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
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 Forestbrook, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forestbrook?
The average cost of solar panels in Forestbrook 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Forestbrook?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Forestbrook. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Forestbrook have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Forestbrook?
Even 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.