Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carrollton, KY (2023 Update)
- Carrollton Solar Installation Cost: $15,774
- 25-Year Savings: $23,793
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carrollton
See how much it might cost to go solar in Carrollton.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Carrollton it's 2.34 per watt. The average Carrollton homeowner needs a 9.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,774 with the federal tax credit, or $22,557 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs will look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Carrollton can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Carrollton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Carrollton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,191 |
| 3 years | $-11,026 |
| 5 years | $-7,860 |
| 7 years | $-4,695 |
| 9 years | $-1,530 |
| 11 years | $1,636 |
| 13 years | $4,801 |
| 15 years | $7,966 |
| 17 years | $11,132 |
| 19 years | $14,297 |
| 21 years | $17,463 |
| 23 years | $20,628 |
| 25 years | $23,793 |
Top Solar Installers in Carrollton
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar 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 (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 Carrollton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carrollton
For many Carrollton homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Carrollton, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
Solar 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 gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. The brand and kind 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Carrollton, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Carrollton, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Some companies 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 with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the 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 | $2.43 | $10,221 | $14,421 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.39 | $13,366 | $19,490 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.34 | $16,380 | $24,690 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.29 | $19,263 | $30,021 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.25 | $22,015 | $35,483 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.20 | $24,636 | $41,076 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.15 | $27,125 | $46,800 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.11 | $29,484 | $52,655 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you opt for will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar panel system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Carrollton, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carrollton?
This is a tough 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 cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Carrollton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $821.39 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 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.