Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bardstown, KY (Feb 2023)
- Bardstown Solar Installation Cost: $15,692
- 25-Year Savings: $18,790
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bardstown
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Bardstown.
In Bardstown, solar panels cost about $2 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 9.6 would cost about $15,692 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Bardstown can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Bardstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,313 |
| 3 years | $-11,554 |
| 5 years | $-8,796 |
| 7 years | $-6,037 |
| 9 years | $-3,278 |
| 11 years | $-520 |
| 13 years | $2,239 |
| 15 years | $4,997 |
| 17 years | $7,756 |
| 19 years | $10,514 |
| 21 years | $13,273 |
| 23 years | $16,032 |
| 25 years | $18,790 |
Top Solar Installers in Bardstown
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. In addition, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, opting for a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Bardstown, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in Bardstown is $15,692, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
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 a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The kind of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bardstown to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total 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 making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. 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 specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $2.43 | $10,221 | $11,382 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.39 | $13,366 | $15,439 | 11.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.34 | $16,380 | $19,626 | 11.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.29 | $19,263 | $23,944 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.25 | $22,015 | $28,394 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.20 | $24,636 | $32,974 | 10.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.15 | $27,125 | $37,685 | 10.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.11 | $29,484 | $42,528 | 10.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover replacement parts and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bardstown?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $11,700 for a 5-kW system and $23,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
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 areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
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 $152,135, which means you can look forward to a value of about $6,238 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bardstown is a rewarding investment.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.