Solar Panel Cost Guide in Russellville, KY (2024 Update)
- Russellville Solar Installation Cost: $23,862
- 25-Year Savings: $14,804
- Payback Period: 19.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Russellville
We break down average solar pricing in Russellville.
In Russellville, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 9.3-kW system would cost about $23,862 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Russellville depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $13,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Russellville find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Russellville that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Russellville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,343 |
| 3 years | $-19,304 |
| 5 years | $-16,265 |
| 7 years | $-13,226 |
| 9 years | $-10,187 |
| 11 years | $-7,148 |
| 13 years | $-4,109 |
| 15 years | $-1,070 |
| 17 years | $1,969 |
| 19 years | $5,008 |
| 21 years | $8,047 |
| 23 years | $11,086 |
| 25 years | $14,125 |
Top Solar Installers in Russellville
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Russellville:
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 Russellville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Russellville
For many Russellville homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Russellville, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that greatly 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 Russellville, 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 total cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Russellville to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Russellville, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.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 specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $3,396 | 20.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $4,936 | 20.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $6,681 | 19.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $8,631 | 19.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $10,784 | 19.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $13,143 | 18.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $15,705 | 18.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $18,472 | 17.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project completion timeline rebates 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 Russellville, KY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Russellville?
The average cost of solar panels in Russellville 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 like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $644.62 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Russellville?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.