Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forest Park, OH (2024 Update)

  • Forest Park Solar Installation Cost: $17,636
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,488
  • Payback Period: 18.2 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 Park

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Forest Park.

The average cost of solar panels in Forest Park is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Forest Park, most homeowners require a 7.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,636, or $25,219 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in Forest Park for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Forest Park

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,471
3 years $-14,141
5 years $-11,811
7 years $-9,481
9 years $-7,151
11 years $-4,821
13 years $-2,491
15 years $-161
17 years $2,169
19 years $4,499
21 years $6,828
23 years $9,158
25 years $11,488

Top Solar Installers in Forest Park

Installing solar panels by yourself can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar installers can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives and by providing warranties and repairs.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

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 Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in Forest Park

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forest Park

For many Forest Park homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Forest Park, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar energy system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,410. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Forest Park to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much it costs. Forest Park’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fits within 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 $3.55 $14,895 $4,748 19.0 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $6,713 18.6 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $8,868 18.2 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $11,215 17.9 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $13,752 17.5 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $16,481 17.1 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $19,400 16.8 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $22,511 16.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies to choose from in Forest Park, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity 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.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.

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 Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Forest Park, OH Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is cost the most important consideration 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.

Is going solar worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.

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