Solar Panel Cost Guide in Middletown, KY (2024 Update)
- Middletown Solar Installation Cost: $24,524
- 25-Year Savings: $24,372
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Middletown
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Middletown.
In Middletown, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Middletown homeowner needs a 9.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $24,524 with the federal tax credit, or $35,069 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installation company in Middletown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Middletown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,055 |
| 3 years | $-20,118 |
| 5 years | $-17,181 |
| 7 years | $-14,243 |
| 9 years | $-11,306 |
| 11 years | $-8,369 |
| 13 years | $-5,431 |
| 15 years | $-2,494 |
| 17 years | $443 |
| 19 years | $3,380 |
| 21 years | $6,318 |
| 23 years | $9,255 |
| 25 years | $12,192 |
Top Solar Installers in Middletown
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Middletown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Middletown
The cost of installing a solar system in Middletown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Middletown is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $9,120 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $12,568 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $16,221 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $20,079 | 15.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $24,141 | 14.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $28,407 | 14.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $32,878 | 14.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $37,553 | 13.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 Middletown, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Middletown?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally 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 higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Middletown?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
Can solar panels significantly reduce my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $835.43 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 typically 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.