Solar Panel Cost Guide in Mount Washington, KY (2024 Update)
- Mount Washington Solar Installation Cost: $24,456
- 25-Year Savings: $21,865
- Payback Period: 16.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Mount Washington
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Mount Washington.
In Mount Washington, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Mount Washington, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $24,456, or $34,972 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Mount Washington based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Mount Washington find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Mount Washington for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Mount Washington
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,987 |
| 3 years | $-20,050 |
| 5 years | $-17,112 |
| 7 years | $-14,175 |
| 9 years | $-11,238 |
| 11 years | $-8,300 |
| 13 years | $-5,363 |
| 15 years | $-2,426 |
| 17 years | $511 |
| 19 years | $3,449 |
| 21 years | $6,386 |
| 23 years | $9,323 |
| 25 years | $12,261 |
Top Solar Installers in Mount Washington
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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 Mount Washington
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Mount Washington
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Mount Washington: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Mount Washington, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose 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 electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Mount Washington average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Mount Washington, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Mount Washington, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $7,591 | 16.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $10,530 | 16.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $13,673 | 16.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $17,021 | 16.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $20,574 | 15.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $24,330 | 15.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $28,291 | 15.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $32,457 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you opt for.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Mount Washington, KY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Mount Washington?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different 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. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Mount Washington?
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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Mount Washington, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
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 take a 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 account for 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.