Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benton, KY (2025 Update)
- Benton Solar Installation Cost: $23,443
- 25-Year Savings: $20,002
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Benton
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Benton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Benton, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Benton homeowner needs a 9.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $23,443 with the federal tax credit, or $33,523 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Benton based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Benton can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Benton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Benton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-21,867 |
| 3 years | $-18,715 |
| 5 years | $-15,562 |
| 7 years | $-12,410 |
| 9 years | $-9,258 |
| 11 years | $-6,105 |
| 13 years | $-2,953 |
| 15 years | $199 |
| 17 years | $3,351 |
| 19 years | $6,504 |
| 21 years | $9,656 |
| 23 years | $12,808 |
| 25 years | $15,961 |
Top Solar Installers in Benton
Installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Benton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benton
There are several factors that can influence your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Benton, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
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 | $6,964 | 17.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $9,695 | 17.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $12,629 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $15,768 | 16.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $19,112 | 16.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $22,660 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $26,412 | 15.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $30,368 | 15.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Benton, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two 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 good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
EcoWatch's Benton, KY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Benton?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Benton is currently $150,814, which means you could be looking at a value of about $6,183 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Benton is a fruitful 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 house 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.