Solar Panel Cost Guide in Frankfort, KY (2025 Update)
- Frankfort Solar Installation Cost: $24,607
- 25-Year Savings: $23,152
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Frankfort
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Frankfort.
In Frankfort, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $24,607 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Frankfort
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,237 |
| 3 years | $-20,496 |
| 5 years | $-17,756 |
| 7 years | $-15,015 |
| 9 years | $-12,274 |
| 11 years | $-9,534 |
| 13 years | $-6,793 |
| 15 years | $-4,052 |
| 17 years | $-1,312 |
| 19 years | $1,429 |
| 21 years | $4,169 |
| 23 years | $6,910 |
| 25 years | $9,651 |
Top Solar Installers in Frankfort
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra time and handiness. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another perk of utilizing a solar company is that they can help you maximize your ROI by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Frankfort:
See all of the solar companies in Frankfort
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Frankfort
There are several factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,650. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Frankfort to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Frankfort, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater 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 names.
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 | $8,308 | 16.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $11,486 | 16.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $14,869 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $18,456 | 15.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $22,248 | 15.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $26,243 | 14.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $30,444 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $34,848 | 14.2 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
EcoWatch's Frankfort, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Frankfort?
The average cost of solar panels in Frankfort 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 certain factors such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Frankfort?
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 don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value remarkably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Frankfort?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.