Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forney, TX (Mar 2023)
- Forney Solar Installation Cost: $14,499
- 25-Year Savings: $22,689
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forney
We go over average solar pricing in Forney.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Forney it's 2.69 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Forney is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,499 for a solar installation, or $20,734 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in Forney for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Forney
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,012 |
| 3 years | $-10,037 |
| 5 years | $-7,062 |
| 7 years | $-4,087 |
| 9 years | $-1,112 |
| 11 years | $1,864 |
| 13 years | $4,839 |
| 15 years | $7,814 |
| 17 years | $10,789 |
| 19 years | $13,764 |
| 21 years | $16,739 |
| 23 years | $19,714 |
| 25 years | $22,689 |
Top Solar Installers in Forney
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren't sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Forney
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forney
While the average cost of a solar system in Forney is $14,499, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation use 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 $2,690. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower 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 limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Forney homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence your pricing. Forney's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Forney know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $17,233 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,279 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,476 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $35,823 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,320 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $48,969 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $55,767 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $62,717 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Forney, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and 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.
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 Forney, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forney?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Forney?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable 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 home 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 savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Forney?
Solar panels can be a good investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct 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 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 install 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.