Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillview, KY (2023 Update)
- Hillview Solar Installation Cost: $15,678
- 25-Year Savings: $21,737
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillview
We break down average solar pricing in Hillview.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Hillview, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.34 per watt. The average Hillview homeowner needs a 9.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,676 with the federal tax credit, or $22,417 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you may look different based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. With typical savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Hillview find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To receive a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Hillview, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Hillview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,210 |
| 3 years | $-11,272 |
| 5 years | $-8,335 |
| 7 years | $-5,398 |
| 9 years | $-2,461 |
| 11 years | $477 |
| 13 years | $3,414 |
| 15 years | $6,351 |
| 17 years | $9,289 |
| 19 years | $12,226 |
| 21 years | $15,163 |
| 23 years | $18,100 |
| 25 years | $21,038 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillview
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be challenging. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. 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 Hillview
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Hillview
For many Hillview homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Hillview, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. That's why it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Hillview, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $13,233 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.39 | $13,366 | $17,906 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.34 | $16,380 | $22,710 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.29 | $19,263 | $27,645 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.25 | $22,015 | $32,711 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.20 | $24,636 | $37,908 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.15 | $27,125 | $43,236 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.11 | $29,484 | $48,696 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
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 Hillview, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Hillview?
The average cost of solar panels in Hillview is about $11,700 for a 5-kW system and $23,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Hillview?
You can't get solar panels for free in Hillview. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Hillview have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.