Solar Panel Cost Guide in Paducah, KY (2024 Update)

  • Paducah Solar Installation Cost: $23,586
  • 25-Year Savings: $30,926
  • Payback Period: 12.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Paducah

Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Paducah.

In Paducah, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 9.2-kW system would cost about $23,586 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Paducah homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high initial cost, the average Paducah homeowner can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Paducah that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Paducah

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-22,014
3 years $-18,870
5 years $-15,726
7 years $-12,582
9 years $-9,438
11 years $-6,294
13 years $-3,150
15 years $-6
17 years $3,138
19 years $6,282
21 years $9,426
23 years $12,570
25 years $15,714

Top Solar Installers in Paducah

Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Paducah

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Paducah

For many Paducah homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Paducah, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Paducah, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.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. However, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Paducah average.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Paducah homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Paducah homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. 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 can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down 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 $13,986 13.3 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $19,057 13.1 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $24,332 12.8 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $29,811 12.5 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $35,495 12.3 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $41,384 12.0 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $47,476 11.8 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $53,774 11.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although 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 be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Paducah, KY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Paducah?

The average cost of solar panels in Paducah 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 type 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 a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

Does Paducah have a net metering program?

Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.

How long do solar panels last in Paducah?

Even 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 once you've had 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.

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