Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westwood, KY (2024 Update)
- Westwood Solar Installation Cost: $24,848
- 25-Year Savings: $28,331
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westwood
We go over average solar pricing in Westwood.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Westwood, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 9.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Westwood, the average price of going solar will be about $24,848 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Westwood homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westwood find going solar can pay off big.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,299 |
| 3 years | $-20,202 |
| 5 years | $-17,104 |
| 7 years | $-14,007 |
| 9 years | $-10,909 |
| 11 years | $-7,812 |
| 13 years | $-4,714 |
| 15 years | $-1,617 |
| 17 years | $1,481 |
| 19 years | $4,578 |
| 21 years | $7,675 |
| 23 years | $10,773 |
| 25 years | $13,870 |
Top Solar Installers in Westwood
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Westwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westwood
The cost of installing a solar system in Westwood can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 pay around $3,650 per kilowatt in Westwood.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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Westwood average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Westwood homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can play a part in determining your pricing. Westwood’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $11,364 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $15,560 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $19,961 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $24,567 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $29,377 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $34,391 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $39,610 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $45,033 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you’d like to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
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 Westwood, KY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Westwood?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a crucial 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 keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Westwood?
Each state has some form 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 offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Westwood?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 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.