Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forestbrook, SC (2024 Update)
- Forestbrook Solar Installation Cost: $18,525
- 25-Year Savings: $30,790
- Payback Period: 10.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forestbrook
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Forestbrook.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Forestbrook it’s 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Forestbrook, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,525, or $26,491 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in Forestbrook depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Forestbrook that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Forestbrook
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,743 |
| 3 years | $-13,179 |
| 5 years | $-9,615 |
| 7 years | $-6,051 |
| 9 years | $-2,487 |
| 11 years | $1,077 |
| 13 years | $4,641 |
| 15 years | $8,205 |
| 17 years | $11,769 |
| 19 years | $15,333 |
| 21 years | $18,897 |
| 23 years | $22,461 |
| 25 years | $26,025 |
Top Solar Installers in Forestbrook
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be challenging. Companies can also provide access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Forestbrook
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forestbrook
The cost of installing a solar system in Forestbrook can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,450 per kilowatt in Forestbrook.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider 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 solar panels out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Even though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Forestbrook homeowners, they can also raise 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 avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 | $3.59 | $15,070 | $20,438 | 10.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $27,637 | 10.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $35,030 | 10.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $42,615 | 10.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $50,394 | 9.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $58,366 | 9.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $66,531 | 9.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $74,889 | 9.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates 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 Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Forestbrook, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forestbrook?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Forestbrook?
Solar panels aren’t free in Forestbrook, 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 help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Forestbrook?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in Forestbrook?
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.