Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bardstown, KY (2024 Update)
- Bardstown Solar Installation Cost: $24,469
- 25-Year Savings: $18,795
- Payback Period: 17.7 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 Bardstown
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Bardstown.
In Bardstown, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $24,469 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.With average savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bardstown find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bardstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,225 |
| 3 years | $-20,738 |
| 5 years | $-18,250 |
| 7 years | $-15,763 |
| 9 years | $-13,276 |
| 11 years | $-10,788 |
| 13 years | $-8,301 |
| 15 years | $-5,814 |
| 17 years | $-3,327 |
| 19 years | $-839 |
| 21 years | $1,648 |
| 23 years | $4,135 |
| 25 years | $6,623 |
Top Solar Installers in Bardstown
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and expertise. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar installers provide can be helpful as well, especially if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Bardstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bardstown
The cost of installing a solar system in Bardstown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Bardstown, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $5,660 | 18.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $7,956 | 18.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $10,456 | 17.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $13,160 | 17.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $16,069 | 17.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $19,182 | 16.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $22,500 | 16.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $26,022 | 16.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the cost.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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 Bardstown, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bardstown?
The average cost of solar panels in Bardstown 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 things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bardstown?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bardstown is currently $231,916, which means you can expect a value of about $9,509 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bardstown is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.