Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forest, VA (Mar 2023)
- Forest Solar Installation Cost: $14,842
- 25-Year Savings: $22,193
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forest
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Forest.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Forest, the average cost of a solar system is 2.75 per watt. The average Forest homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,842 with the federal tax credit, or $21,224 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Forest see about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in Forest for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Forest
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,360 |
| 3 years | $-10,398 |
| 5 years | $-7,435 |
| 7 years | $-4,472 |
| 9 years | $-1,509 |
| 11 years | $1,453 |
| 13 years | $4,416 |
| 15 years | $7,379 |
| 17 years | $10,342 |
| 19 years | $13,304 |
| 21 years | $16,267 |
| 23 years | $19,230 |
| 25 years | $22,193 |
Top Solar Installers in Forest
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Forest
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forest
There are many factors that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Forest homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Forest homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence the cost. Forest's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $2.86 | $12,012 | $16,790 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.81 | $15,708 | $22,695 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.75 | $19,250 | $28,754 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.69 | $22,638 | $34,967 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.64 | $25,872 | $41,334 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.58 | $28,952 | $47,855 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.53 | $31,878 | $54,529 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.48 | $34,650 | $61,358 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Forest, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forest?
The average cost of solar panels in Forest is about $13,750 for a 5-kW system and $27,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to 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 a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty 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 amount of 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 buy 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.