Solar Panel Cost Guide in Fort Mitchell, KY (2024 Update)

  • Fort Mitchell Solar Installation Cost: $24,758
  • 25-Year Savings: $18,993
  • Payback Period: 17.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Fort Mitchell

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Fort Mitchell.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Fort Mitchell, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Fort Mitchell is around 9.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $24,758 for a solar installation, or $35,404 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more.With average savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Fort Mitchell find going solar can be quite rewarding.

To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Fort Mitchell, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Fort Mitchell

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-23,563
3 years $-21,174
5 years $-18,785
7 years $-16,395
9 years $-14,006
11 years $-11,617
13 years $-9,227
15 years $-6,838
17 years $-4,449
19 years $-2,060
21 years $330
23 years $2,719
25 years $5,108

Top Solar Installers in Fort Mitchell

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to use a solar company since handling can be a challenging project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.

You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Fort Mitchell

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Fort Mitchell

For many Fort Mitchell homeowners, the decision to go solar depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Fort Mitchell, 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

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,650 per kilowatt in Fort Mitchell.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Fort Mitchell, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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 Fort Mitchell to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a part in determining the cost. Fort Mitchell’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes 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 $3.80 $15,943 $5,645 18.5 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $7,935 18.1 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $10,430 17.8 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $13,129 17.4 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $16,033 17.0 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $19,141 16.7 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $22,453 16.3 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $25,970 16.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Fort Mitchell, KY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Fort Mitchell?

This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Fort Mitchell?

Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Is it worth going solar in Fort Mitchell?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size 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 generally 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.

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