Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forest Park, GA (2024 Update)
- Forest Park Solar Installation Cost: $17,591
- 25-Year Savings: $22,240
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forest Park
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Forest Park.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Forest Park, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 6.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Forest Park, the average price of going solar will be about $17,591 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Forest Park find going solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Forest Park that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Forest Park
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,998 |
| 3 years | $-12,811 |
| 5 years | $-9,625 |
| 7 years | $-6,439 |
| 9 years | $-3,252 |
| 11 years | $-66 |
| 13 years | $3,121 |
| 15 years | $6,307 |
| 17 years | $9,494 |
| 19 years | $12,680 |
| 21 years | $15,867 |
| 23 years | $19,053 |
| 25 years | $22,240 |
Top Solar Installers in Forest Park
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Another upside of using a solar installer is that they can help you optimize your ROI by reducing your future costs of repairs and replacements with the help of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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
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 Park
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forest Park
There are several criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power generation need 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 $3,740.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Forest Park average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Forest Park homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Forest Park homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. 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 last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Forest Park, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Forest Park have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $3.89 | $16,336 | $14,252 | 13.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $19,421 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $24,800 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $30,388 | 12.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $36,186 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $42,193 | 12.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $48,410 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $54,836 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies 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.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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
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 Park, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Forest Park?
The average cost of solar panels in Forest Park is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Forest Park?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Forest Park, 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 you can take advantage of.
How will installing solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Forest Park is currently $181,449, so you could be looking at a value of about $7,439 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Forest Park is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.