Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forest Hill, TX (Mar 2023)
- Forest Hill Solar Installation Cost: $14,405
- 25-Year Savings: $22,783
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forest Hill
We break down average solar pricing in Forest Hill.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Forest Hill is 2.69 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $14,405 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Forest Hill depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. With typical savings of about $19,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Forest Hill find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Forest Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,917 |
| 3 years | $-9,942 |
| 5 years | $-6,967 |
| 7 years | $-3,992 |
| 9 years | $-1,017 |
| 11 years | $1,958 |
| 13 years | $4,933 |
| 15 years | $7,908 |
| 17 years | $10,883 |
| 19 years | $13,858 |
| 21 years | $16,833 |
| 23 years | $19,808 |
| 25 years | $22,783 |
Top Solar Installers in Forest Hill
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Another upside of working with a solar installer is that they can help you make the most of your return of investment by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
Though the average cost of a solar system in Forest Hill is $14,405, your final cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $2,690. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on 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 into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Forest Hill, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. It's a good idea to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Forest Hill is the company you hire to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 company you choose will influence 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 several important things you should take into account, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
What is the average cost of installing 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 real cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $972.11 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 their energy production 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.