Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forest, MS (2024 Update)

  • Forest Solar Installation Cost: $18,441
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,818
  • Payback Period: 10.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forest

See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Forest.

In Forest, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.The average Forest homeowner needs a 8.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,441 with the federal tax credit, or $26,371 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Forest

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,613
3 years $-12,957
5 years $-9,301
7 years $-5,645
9 years $-1,989
11 years $1,668
13 years $5,324
15 years $8,980
17 years $12,636
19 years $16,292
21 years $19,948
23 years $23,604
25 years $27,260

Top Solar Installers in Forest

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Forest:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Forest, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,140 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Further, solar equipment goes beyond 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 falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Forest homeowners, they can also add to 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

The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.27 $13,716 $16,551 11.3 years
8 kW $3.20 $17,936 $22,420 11.1 years
10 kW $3.14 $21,980 $28,464 10.9 years
12 kW $3.08 $25,848 $34,685 10.7 years
14 kW $3.01 $29,541 $41,081 10.5 years
16 kW $2.95 $33,058 $47,653 10.2 years
18 kW $2.89 $36,399 $54,401 10.0 years
20 kW $2.83 $39,564 $61,325 9.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar installer’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.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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, MS Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forest?

The average cost of solar panels in Forest is about $15,700 for a 5-kW system and $31,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $1,008.89 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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to 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.

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