Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bardstown, KY (2024 Update)
- Bardstown Solar Installation Cost: $24,469
- 25-Year Savings: $18,795
- Payback Period: 17.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bardstown
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bardstown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bardstown it’s 4 per watt.Since a 9.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Bardstown, the average price of going solar will be about $24,469 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
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Solar savings over time in Bardstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,225 |
| 3 years | $-20,738 |
| 5 years | $-18,250 |
| 7 years | $-15,763 |
| 9 years | $-13,276 |
| 11 years | $-10,788 |
| 13 years | $-8,301 |
| 15 years | $-5,814 |
| 17 years | $-3,327 |
| 19 years | $-839 |
| 21 years | $1,648 |
| 23 years | $4,135 |
| 25 years | $6,623 |
Top Solar Installers in Bardstown
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Bardstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bardstown
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Bardstown: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Bardstown, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only 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 getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Bardstown’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $5,660 | 18.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,956 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $10,456 | 17.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $13,160 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $16,069 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $19,182 | 16.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $22,500 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $26,022 | 16.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Bardstown, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bardstown?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bardstown?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 way to go if you want to get the most savings.
How will having solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bardstown is currently $231,916, which means you could be looking at a value of about $9,509 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bardstown is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.