Solar Panel Cost Guide in American Fork, UT (2024 Update)
- American Fork Solar Installation Cost: $11,996
- 25-Year Savings: $13,945
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in American Fork
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in American Fork.
The average cost of a solar system in American Fork is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in American Fork is around 5.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,996 for a solar installation, or $17,154 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs may look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in American Fork
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,999 |
| 3 years | $-9,007 |
| 5 years | $-7,015 |
| 7 years | $-5,023 |
| 9 years | $-3,030 |
| 11 years | $-1,038 |
| 13 years | $954 |
| 15 years | $2,946 |
| 17 years | $4,938 |
| 19 years | $6,931 |
| 21 years | $8,923 |
| 23 years | $10,915 |
| 25 years | $12,907 |
Top Solar Installers in American Fork
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
See all of the solar companies in American Fork
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in American Fork
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in American Fork: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in American Fork to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for American Fork homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in American Fork, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.42 | $14,371 | $12,948 | 13.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.36 | $18,792 | $17,633 | 12.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.29 | $23,030 | $22,502 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.22 | $27,083 | $27,555 | 12.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.16 | $30,952 | $32,792 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.09 | $34,637 | $38,214 | 11.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.03 | $38,138 | $43,820 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.96 | $41,454 | $49,610 | 11.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects 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: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Local Installer
ES Solar
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Lifetime workmanship warranty
- Outstanding customer service
- No leases or PPAs
- Energy audits only available 12 months after installation
EcoWatch's American Fork, UT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in American Fork?
The average cost of solar panels in American Fork is about $16,450 for a 5-kW system and $32,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in American Fork?
Solar panels aren’t free in American Fork, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in American Fork is currently $515,912, so you can look forward to a value of about $21,152 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in American Fork is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.