Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forest Hill, TX (2023 Update)
- Forest Hill Solar Installation Cost: $14,407
- 25-Year Savings: $22,781
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forest Hill
We go over average solar pricing in Forest Hill.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Forest Hill generally cost around 2.69. The average Forest Hill homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,405 with the federal tax credit, or $20,599 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Forest Hill based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Forest Hill find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Forest Hill that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Forest Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,283 |
| 3 years | $-14,035 |
| 5 years | $-13,787 |
| 7 years | $-13,539 |
| 9 years | $-13,291 |
| 11 years | $-13,043 |
| 13 years | $-12,795 |
| 15 years | $-12,547 |
| 17 years | $-12,299 |
| 19 years | $-12,051 |
| 21 years | $-11,804 |
| 23 years | $-11,556 |
| 25 years | $-11,308 |
Top Solar Installers in Forest Hill
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Another upside of going with a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your return of investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Forest Hill:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Forest Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forest Hill
The cost of installing a solar system in Forest Hill can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Forest Hill average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Forest Hill homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. It's wise to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, 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 how much it costs. Forest Hill's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Forest Hill have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.80 | $11,750 | $17,413 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,519 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,775 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $36,182 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,740 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,448 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $56,307 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $63,317 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types 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:
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Forest Hill, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Forest Hill?
The average cost of solar panels in Forest Hill is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Forest Hill?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.