Solar Panel Cost Guide in Erlanger, KY (2024 Update)
- Erlanger Solar Installation Cost: $24,731
- 25-Year Savings: $5,135
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Erlanger
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Erlanger.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Erlanger it’s 4 per watt.The average Erlanger homeowner needs a 9.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $24,731 with the federal tax credit, or $35,365 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Erlanger homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Erlanger can save around $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Erlanger that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Erlanger
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,536 |
| 3 years | $-21,147 |
| 5 years | $-18,757 |
| 7 years | $-16,368 |
| 9 years | $-13,979 |
| 11 years | $-11,590 |
| 13 years | $-9,200 |
| 15 years | $-6,811 |
| 17 years | $-4,422 |
| 19 years | $-2,032 |
| 21 years | $357 |
| 23 years | $2,746 |
| 25 years | $5,135 |
Top Solar Installers in Erlanger
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and know-how. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Erlanger, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Erlanger
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Erlanger
There are a number of criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,650 per kilowatt in Erlanger.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Erlanger average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Erlanger, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Erlanger is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
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 | $6,611 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $9,223 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $12,040 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $15,061 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $18,286 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $21,716 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $25,351 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $29,189 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
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 Erlanger, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Erlanger?
The average cost of solar panels in Erlanger 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost 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 it worth going solar in Erlanger?
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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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 cover 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.