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 typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Forest Hill is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,834 for a solar installation, or $25,503 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Forest Hill homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, 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
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Forest Hill:
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Forest Hill
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Forest Hill
The cost of installing a solar system in Forest Hill can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have better efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want 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
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Forest Hill, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence the cost. Forest Hill’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Forest Hill have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $3.46 | $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
There are a lot of 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:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panel system, verifying that your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- 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 large role in the company you go with.
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
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Forest Hill, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Forest Hill?
The average cost of solar panels in Forest Hill is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 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.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Forest Hill?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Forest Hill?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Forest Hill?
On average, solar panels can last 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 larger 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.