Solar Panel Cost Guide in Elizabethtown, KY (2023 Update)
- Elizabethtown Solar Installation Cost: $15,627
- 25-Year Savings: $24,177
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Elizabethtown
See how much it might cost to go solar in Elizabethtown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Elizabethtown it's 2.34 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Elizabethtown, most homeowners require a 9.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,627, or $22,347 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Elizabethtown depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Elizabethtown homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Elizabethtown for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Elizabethtown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,247 |
| 3 years | $-11,487 |
| 5 years | $-8,726 |
| 7 years | $-5,966 |
| 9 years | $-3,205 |
| 11 years | $-445 |
| 13 years | $2,315 |
| 15 years | $5,076 |
| 17 years | $7,836 |
| 19 years | $10,597 |
| 21 years | $13,357 |
| 23 years | $16,118 |
| 25 years | $18,878 |
Top Solar Installers in Elizabethtown
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar panel installer can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Elizabethtown, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Elizabethtown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Elizabethtown
While the average cost of a solar system in Elizabethtown is $15,627, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,340. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Elizabethtown, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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 Elizabethtown to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Elizabethtown, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $14,811 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.39 | $13,366 | $20,011 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.34 | $16,380 | $25,341 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.29 | $19,263 | $30,802 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.25 | $22,015 | $36,394 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.20 | $24,636 | $42,118 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.15 | $27,125 | $47,972 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.11 | $29,484 | $53,958 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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 Elizabethtown, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Elizabethtown?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly 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 additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, 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 Elizabethtown?
A solar panel system isn't free in Elizabethtown, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.