Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forest Hills, TN (2025 Update)
- Forest Hills Solar Installation Cost: $19,966
- 25-Year Savings: $7,687
- Payback Period: 23.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forest Hills
See how much it might cost to go solar in Forest Hills.
The average cost of solar panels in Forest Hills is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Forest Hills, most homeowners require a 8.0-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $19,966, or $28,551 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Forest Hills based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Forest Hills can save about $11,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Forest Hills, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Forest Hills
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,464 |
| 3 years | $-15,460 |
| 5 years | $-12,456 |
| 7 years | $-9,452 |
| 9 years | $-6,449 |
| 11 years | $-3,445 |
| 13 years | $-441 |
| 15 years | $2,563 |
| 17 years | $5,567 |
| 19 years | $8,570 |
| 21 years | $11,574 |
| 23 years | $14,578 |
| 25 years | $17,582 |
Top Solar Installers in Forest Hills
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're looking for a solar company in Forest Hills, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Forest Hills
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forest Hills
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Forest Hills: 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 a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require 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 $3,580.The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Forest Hills provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.It’s wise to include 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 back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Forest Hills’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $609 | 24.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $1,213 | 23.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $2,018 | 23.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $3,023 | 22.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $4,228 | 22.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $5,634 | 21.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $7,241 | 21.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $9,047 | 20.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
EcoWatch's Forest Hills, TN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Forest Hills?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Forest Hills?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Forest Hills, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 get 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.