Solar Panel Cost Guide in Benton, KY (2024 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.
In Benton, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Benton, most homeowners require a 9.2-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $23,443, or $33,523 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Benton homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $15,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Benton find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, 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 on your own can be a challenging undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Benton:
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 Benton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Benton
For many Benton homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Benton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production use 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 $3,650.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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Benton average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Benton, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining your pricing. Benton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
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 Benton, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Benton?
The average cost of solar panels in Benton 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 stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home 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 specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Benton is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 typically 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.