Solar Panel Cost Guide in Highland Heights, KY (2024 Update)

  • Highland Heights Solar Installation Cost: $24,826
  • 25-Year Savings: $15,909
  • Payback Period: 19.5 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 Highland Heights

We break down average solar pricing in Highland Heights.

The average cost of a solar system in Highland Heights is 4 per watt.The average Highland Heights homeowner needs a 9.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $24,826 with the federal tax credit, or $35,501 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can be above or below the average in Highland Heights depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Highland Heights homeowner can save about $12,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installation company in Highland Heights, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Highland Heights

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-23,632
3 years $-21,242
5 years $-18,853
7 years $-16,464
9 years $-14,075
11 years $-11,685
13 years $-9,296
15 years $-6,907
17 years $-4,518
19 years $-2,128
21 years $261
23 years $2,650
25 years $5,040

Top Solar Installers in Highland Heights

Trying to put up solar panels on your own can be a difficult undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. 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.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

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 Highland Heights

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Highland Heights

Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Highland Heights: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need, 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 about $3,650. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Highland Heights average.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Highland Heights to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Highland Heights homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Highland Heights, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

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 $3,708 20.3 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $5,353 19.9 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $7,202 19.5 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $9,256 19.1 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $11,514 18.7 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $13,977 18.3 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $16,644 17.9 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $19,515 17.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Installation Process: When going solar, it’s important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on 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 Highland Heights, KY Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Highland Heights?

This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Highland Heights?

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 home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.

How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $655.05 per year.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.

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