Solar Panel Cost Guide in Southgate, KY (2024 Update)
- Southgate Solar Installation Cost: $24,826
- 25-Year Savings: $15,909
- Payback Period: 19.5 Years
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Updated February 03, 2024
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Southgate
We break down average solar pricing in Southgate.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Southgate it’s 4 per watt.The average Southgate homeowner needs a 9.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $24,826 with the federal tax credit, or $35,501 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Despite the high initial cost, the average Southgate homeowner can save about $12,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installer in Southgate, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Southgate
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-23,632 |
3 years | $-21,242 |
5 years | $-18,853 |
7 years | $-16,464 |
9 years | $-14,075 |
11 years | $-11,685 |
13 years | $-9,296 |
15 years | $-6,907 |
17 years | $-4,518 |
19 years | $-2,128 |
21 years | $261 |
23 years | $2,650 |
25 years | $5,040 |
Top Solar Installers in Southgate
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Southgate
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Southgate
Though the average cost of a solar system in Southgate is $24,826, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,650 per kilowatt in Southgate.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Southgate, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Southgate, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for 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 Southgate is the company you get to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Additionally, some companies in Southgate have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $3,708 | 20.3 years |
8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $5,353 | 19.9 years |
10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $7,202 | 19.5 years |
12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $9,256 | 19.1 years |
14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $11,514 | 18.7 years |
16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $13,977 | 18.3 years |
18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $16,644 | 17.9 years |
20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $19,515 | 17.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
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 Southgate, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Southgate?
The average cost of solar panels in Southgate 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 type 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?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities 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.
Is it worth going solar in Southgate?
Solar panels can be a beneficial investment for many 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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Southgate?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount 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.