Solar Panel Cost Guide in Forest Hill, TX (2024 Update)
- Forest Hill Solar Installation Cost: $17,834
- 25-Year Savings: $22,781
- Payback Period: 12.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Forest Hill
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Forest Hill.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Forest Hill, the average cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Forest Hill, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $17,834, or $25,503 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your specific situation and what company you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Forest Hill
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,413 |
| 3 years | $-13,571 |
| 5 years | $-10,729 |
| 7 years | $-7,887 |
| 9 years | $-5,045 |
| 11 years | $-2,202 |
| 13 years | $640 |
| 15 years | $3,482 |
| 17 years | $6,324 |
| 19 years | $9,166 |
| 21 years | $12,008 |
| 23 years | $14,850 |
| 25 years | $17,693 |
Top Solar Installers in Forest Hill
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers 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
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 Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forest Hill
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Forest Hill: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,330 per kilowatt in Forest Hill.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a solid option because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Forest Hill homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system due to interest. 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 final significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Forest Hill, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and bulk 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 companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.46 | $14,545 | $14,618 | 12.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,863 | 12.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $25,295 | 12.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,914 | 11.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,719 | 11.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,710 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $48,888 | 11.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $55,253 | 10.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panel system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
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 Hill, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Forest Hill?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Forest Hill?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Forest Hill?
Solar panels can be a good 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 long do solar panels last in Forest Hill?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.