Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elizabethtown, KY (2024 Update)
- Elizabethtown Solar Installation Cost: $24,376
- 25-Year Savings: $24,177
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elizabethtown
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Elizabethtown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Elizabethtown, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Elizabethtown homeowner needs a 9.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $24,376 with the federal tax credit, or $34,858 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Elizabethtown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Elizabethtown
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-22,996 |
3 years | $-20,235 |
5 years | $-17,475 |
7 years | $-14,714 |
9 years | $-11,954 |
11 years | $-9,194 |
13 years | $-6,433 |
15 years | $-3,673 |
17 years | $-912 |
19 years | $1,848 |
21 years | $4,609 |
23 years | $7,369 |
25 years | $10,129 |
Top Solar Installers in Elizabethtown
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and knowledge. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Elizabethtown:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Elizabethtown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elizabethtown
Though the average cost of a solar system in Elizabethtown is $24,376, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Elizabethtown average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Elizabethtown to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time because of interest.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $9,089 | 15.9 years |
8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $12,528 | 15.6 years |
10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $16,171 | 15.3 years |
12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $20,018 | 15.0 years |
14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $24,070 | 14.7 years |
16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $28,326 | 14.4 years |
18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $32,787 | 14.1 years |
20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $37,452 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Elizabethtown, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elizabethtown?
The average cost of solar panels in Elizabethtown is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Elizabethtown?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Elizabethtown. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power 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 energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.