Solar Panel Cost Guide in Erlanger, KY (2023 Update)
- Erlanger Solar Installation Cost: $15,855
- 25-Year Savings: $20,530
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Erlanger
We go over average solar pricing in Erlanger.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Erlanger, the average cost of a solar system is 2.34 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.7-kW system would cost about $15,856 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Erlanger based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Erlanger can save about $14,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Erlanger for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Erlanger
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,733 |
| 3 years | $-15,491 |
| 5 years | $-15,248 |
| 7 years | $-15,006 |
| 9 years | $-14,763 |
| 11 years | $-14,521 |
| 13 years | $-14,278 |
| 15 years | $-14,035 |
| 17 years | $-13,793 |
| 19 years | $-13,550 |
| 21 years | $-13,308 |
| 23 years | $-13,065 |
| 25 years | $-12,823 |
Top Solar Installers in Erlanger
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to hire a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Erlanger
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Erlanger
For many Erlanger homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Erlanger, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Erlanger, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,340 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Erlanger average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Erlanger homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's crucial to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Erlanger is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $12,333 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.39 | $13,366 | $16,706 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.34 | $16,380 | $21,210 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.29 | $19,263 | $25,845 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.25 | $22,015 | $30,611 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.20 | $24,636 | $35,508 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.15 | $27,125 | $40,536 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.11 | $29,484 | $45,695 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 Erlanger, KY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Erlanger?
The average cost of solar panels in Erlanger is about $11,700 for a 5-kW system and $23,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
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 consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Erlanger?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Erlanger?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.