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Solar Panel Costs Breakdown

Understand all of the costs associated with going solar. From the overall design, cost of your solar panels, to financing. Although the cost of your solar equipment will make the greatest impact on the total cost of going solar, other factors like how the system is designed, and the type of solar financing will all make an impact on your overall costs. We have broken down the factors factors and their approximate weight into how much they impact your total costs of not just going solar but . Be a smart solar shopper by understanding how all of the factors associated with going solar make an impact on the overall cost of going solar.

Greatest Impact on Cost Across System Lifecycle

Solar panel costs can be broken down into several different categories, including the cost of the panels themselves, the cost of installation, and the cost of ongoing maintenance and repairs. Additionally, various incentives and rebates can help to offset the cost of solar panels.


The cost of the panels themselves is a major factor in the overall cost of a solar panel system. The price of solar panels has fallen significantly in recent years, making them more affordable than ever before. However, the cost of panels can still vary depending on several factors, including their size, efficiency, and quality. High-efficiency panels, for example, could be more expensive than lower-efficiency panels, but they may also produce more electricity and offer a better return on investment over time.

Finance costs can also play a factor for some system as well. Depending on the type of financing, there could be additional costs like "Dealer Fees" to buy down points to get a better rate. Solar financing can be expensive, so work with an installer that has partnerships with numerous finance companies to ensure that you can get the best rates available.

The cost of installation is another important factor to consider when looking at the overall cost of solar panels. Installing a solar panel system can be a complex and labor-intensive process, and the cost of installation can vary depending on the size and complexity of the system. In general, the cost of installation will be higher for larger systems or systems with more complex designs.

Ongoing maintenance and repairs are also a factor in the cost of solar panels. Solar panels require regular cleaning and inspection to ensure that they are operating at peak efficiency. In addition, like any other type of equipment, solar panels may occasionally need repairs or replacement parts. The cost of maintenance and repairs will vary depending on the type and age of the panels, as well as the extent of the repairs that are needed.

Finally, various incentives and rebates can help to offset the cost of solar panels. Many states and local governments offer incentives for homeowners and businesses who install solar panel systems, such as tax credits or rebates. These incentives can help to reduce the upfront cost of solar panels, making them more affordable for consumers.

In summary, the cost of solar panels can vary depending on several factors, including the cost of the panels themselves, the cost of installation, and the cost of ongoing maintenance and repairs. Incentives and rebates can also help to offset the cost of solar panels, making them more affordable for consumers.

System Equipment

The cost of solar panels, inverters, racking and additional components will play a significant part in the overall cost of your solar energy system. Most installers will bundle this cost.

45 %
Financing Costs

How you finance your solar energy system can impact the total cost of your solar energy system. Watch out for added costs like dealer fees, or high interest rates.

5 %
Installation Cost

Most people only consider the cost of solar equipment & installation. But there are other areas that can play an even bigger part of your solar energy costs. Despite the solar equipment being the majority of the costs, understand what other elements can impact your solar energy costs.

45 %
Maintenance Costs

There are costs associated with maintaining solar. Everything from your true-up bill to connection fees will impact the cost of your system.

5 %

Lower Your Solar Panel Costs By Working with Forme Solar

There are many ways to lower the cost of solar energy for your home or business. Forme Solar recommends that you explore each one to maximize your overall ROI:

  1. Take advantage of government incentives and rebates: Many local and national governments offer incentives and rebates for homeowners and businesses who install solar panels. These can help offset the initial cost of purchasing and installing the panels.
  2. Choose a reputable installer: The cost of labor can be a significant portion of the overall cost of a solar panel installation. Choosing a reputable, experienced installer can help ensure that the job is done correctly and efficiently, which can save you money in the long run.
  3. Consider a lease or power purchase agreement (PPA): If you are unable to afford the upfront cost of purchasing and installing solar panels, you may be able to enter into a lease or PPA with a solar company. This allows you to use the panels without having to pay the full cost upfront.
  4. Take advantage of net metering: Net metering is a program offered by many utilities that allows you to earn credits on your electricity bill for the excess solar power that your panels generate. This can help offset the cost of the panels and save you money on your monthly electricity bill.
  5. Shop around and compare prices: At Forme Solar, we recommend that you shop around and get at least 3 quotes from additional solar companies. The cost of solar panels can vary depending on the brand, size, and efficiency of the panels, as well as the cost of labor in your area. Shopping around and comparing prices from multiple vendors can help you find the best deal and save money on your solar panel installation.


Pro Tip: System Design Ensures You Maximize Your Costs

How your system is designed is one of the most crucial decisions you'll make that will impact the total cost of your system. Not only will it impact what kind of equipment you'll need, but it can also impact your post installation costs through a higher true-up bill. You want to ensure that you aren't paying an unexpected true-up bill at the end of your 12 (twelve) month billing period.

If you create a system that only covers 80% of what you use, or 90% of what you use, you end up having a gap that you'll have to pay back to your utility company like Southern California Edison (SCE) at the end of the year. However, back in the day that was how the system was sold. It only covered part of the bill but helped offset the highest electricity tiers.