Solar Panel Cost Guide in Hillview, KY (2023 Update)
- Hillview Solar Installation Cost: $15,676
- 25-Year Savings: $21,740
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Hillview
We break down average solar pricing in Hillview.
In Hillview, solar panels cost about 2.34 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $15,676 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Hillview based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average Hillview homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Hillview for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Hillview
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,179 |
| 3 years | $-11,186 |
| 5 years | $-8,193 |
| 7 years | $-5,199 |
| 9 years | $-2,206 |
| 11 years | $787 |
| 13 years | $3,781 |
| 15 years | $6,774 |
| 17 years | $9,767 |
| 19 years | $12,760 |
| 21 years | $15,754 |
| 23 years | $18,747 |
| 25 years | $21,740 |
Top Solar Installers in Hillview
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar company in Hillview, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Hillview: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of solar panels in Hillview, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,340 for each additional kilowatt you need. The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Hillview homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Hillview homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Hillview's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions 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 | $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
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $11,700 for a 5-kW system and $23,400 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 higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Hillview?
A solar panel system isn't free in Hillview, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Does Hillview have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily 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 install 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.