Solar Panel Cost Guide in Florence, KY (2024 Update)
- Florence Solar Installation Cost: $24,703
- 25-Year Savings: $20,547
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Florence
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Florence.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Florence, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Florence is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $24,703 for a solar installation, or $35,325 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $14,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Florence find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar company in Florence, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Florence
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,509 |
| 3 years | $-21,120 |
| 5 years | $-18,730 |
| 7 years | $-16,341 |
| 9 years | $-13,952 |
| 11 years | $-11,562 |
| 13 years | $-9,173 |
| 15 years | $-6,784 |
| 17 years | $-4,395 |
| 19 years | $-2,005 |
| 21 years | $384 |
| 23 years | $2,773 |
| 25 years | $5,162 |
Top Solar Installers in Florence
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it requires extra time and know-how. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 Florence
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Florence
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Florence is $24,703, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,650 per kilowatt in Florence.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Florence, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. 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 Florence to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of renewable energy solutions in Florence, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Florence are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $6,635 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $9,256 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $12,081 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $15,110 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $18,344 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $21,782 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $25,425 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $29,272 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in 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 Florence, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Florence?
The average cost of solar panels in Florence 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Florence?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt 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.