Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bardstown, KY (2023 Update)
- Bardstown Solar Installation Cost: $15,687
- 25-Year Savings: $18,795
- Payback Period: 11.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bardstown
We break down average solar pricing in Bardstown.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bardstown typically cost about 2.34. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Bardstown, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $15,692, or $22,440 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Bardstown based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar company in Bardstown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bardstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,572 |
| 3 years | $-15,342 |
| 5 years | $-15,112 |
| 7 years | $-14,882 |
| 9 years | $-14,652 |
| 11 years | $-14,422 |
| 13 years | $-14,192 |
| 15 years | $-13,963 |
| 17 years | $-13,733 |
| 19 years | $-13,503 |
| 21 years | $-13,273 |
| 23 years | $-13,043 |
| 25 years | $-12,813 |
Top Solar Installers in Bardstown
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar energy, going with a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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
There are a number of factors that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,340. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bardstown, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bardstown to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. 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're only able to 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Bardstown, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Bardstown are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $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
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you'd like to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $11,700 for a 5-kW system and $23,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bardstown?
You can't get solar panels for free in Bardstown. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Bardstown?
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 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.