Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carrollton, KY (2024 Update)
- Carrollton Solar Installation Cost: $24,615
- 25-Year Savings: $23,787
- Payback Period: 15.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carrollton
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Carrollton.
The average cost of solar panels in Carrollton is 4 per watt.The average Carrollton homeowner needs a 9.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $24,615 with the federal tax credit, or $35,199 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Carrollton based on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar company in Carrollton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carrollton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,236 |
| 3 years | $-20,479 |
| 5 years | $-17,721 |
| 7 years | $-14,963 |
| 9 years | $-12,205 |
| 11 years | $-9,447 |
| 13 years | $-6,690 |
| 15 years | $-3,932 |
| 17 years | $-1,174 |
| 19 years | $1,584 |
| 21 years | $4,341 |
| 23 years | $7,099 |
| 25 years | $9,857 |
Top Solar Installers in Carrollton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Carrollton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carrollton
Although the average cost of a solar system in Carrollton is $24,615, your actual cost may differ. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,650 per kilowatt in Carrollton.The kind of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Carrollton average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Carrollton homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Carrollton homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Carrollton have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $8,699 | 16.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $12,007 | 15.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $15,520 | 15.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $19,237 | 15.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $23,158 | 14.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $27,284 | 14.6 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $31,614 | 14.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $36,149 | 14.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 Carrollton, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carrollton?
The average cost of solar panels in Carrollton is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Carrollton?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Carrollton?
Solar panels can be a great investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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 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.