Solar Panel Cost Guide in Leitchfield, KY (2024 Update)
- Leitchfield Solar Installation Cost: $24,206
- 25-Year Savings: $10,365
- Payback Period: 23.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Leitchfield
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Leitchfield.
In Leitchfield, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Leitchfield homeowner needs a 9.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $24,206 with the federal tax credit, or $34,615 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Leitchfield based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Leitchfield homeowner can save about $11,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Leitchfield, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Leitchfield
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,827 |
| 3 years | $-20,069 |
| 5 years | $-17,311 |
| 7 years | $-14,554 |
| 9 years | $-11,796 |
| 11 years | $-9,038 |
| 13 years | $-6,280 |
| 15 years | $-3,523 |
| 17 years | $-765 |
| 19 years | $1,993 |
| 21 years | $4,751 |
| 23 years | $7,508 |
| 25 years | $10,266 |
Top Solar Installers in Leitchfield
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy use, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Leitchfield:
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 Leitchfield
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Leitchfield
There are a number of criteria that can affect your 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
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,650. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Leitchfield homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Leitchfield’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $449 | 24.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $1,007 | 23.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $1,770 | 23.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $2,737 | 22.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $3,909 | 22.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $5,285 | 22.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $6,865 | 21.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $8,650 | 21.0 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 choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Leitchfield, KY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Leitchfield?
The average cost of solar panels in Leitchfield 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 certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Leitchfield?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.