Solar Panel Cost Guide in Buckner, KY (2024 Update)
- Buckner Solar Installation Cost: $24,639
- 25-Year Savings: $24,622
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Buckner
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Buckner.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Buckner, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 9.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Buckner, the average price of going solar will be about $24,639 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more.Despite the large initial cost, the average Buckner homeowner can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Buckner
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,230 |
| 3 years | $-20,413 |
| 5 years | $-17,595 |
| 7 years | $-14,777 |
| 9 years | $-11,960 |
| 11 years | $-9,142 |
| 13 years | $-6,325 |
| 15 years | $-3,507 |
| 17 years | $-689 |
| 19 years | $2,128 |
| 21 years | $4,946 |
| 23 years | $7,763 |
| 25 years | $10,581 |
Top Solar Installers in Buckner
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar company can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Buckner
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Buckner
For many Buckner homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Buckner, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Buckner, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Buckner average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Buckner offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Buckner, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to more resources and bulk 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 promotion 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $9,204 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $12,681 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $16,362 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $20,247 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $24,337 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $28,632 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $33,130 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $37,833 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- 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.
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 Buckner, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Buckner?
The average cost of solar panels in Buckner is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a beneficial 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 power bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.