Solar Panel Cost Guide in Paducah, KY (2024 Update)
- Paducah Solar Installation Cost: $23,586
- 25-Year Savings: $30,926
- Payback Period: 12.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Paducah
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Paducah.
The average cost of a solar system in Paducah is 4 per watt.The average Paducah homeowner needs a 9.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $23,586 with the federal tax credit, or $33,728 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.With typical savings of about $19,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Paducah find going solar has a decent ROI.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Paducah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,014 |
| 3 years | $-18,870 |
| 5 years | $-15,726 |
| 7 years | $-12,582 |
| 9 years | $-9,438 |
| 11 years | $-6,294 |
| 13 years | $-3,150 |
| 15 years | $-6 |
| 17 years | $3,138 |
| 19 years | $6,282 |
| 21 years | $9,426 |
| 23 years | $12,570 |
| 25 years | $15,714 |
Top Solar Installers in Paducah
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra time and handiness. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. 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 Paducah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Paducah
For many Paducah homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Paducah, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly 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 determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Paducah provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.It’s a good idea to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Paducah, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Paducah have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
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 | $13,986 | 13.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $19,057 | 13.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $24,332 | 12.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $29,811 | 12.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $35,495 | 12.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $41,384 | 12.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $47,476 | 11.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $53,774 | 11.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly impacts 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:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
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 Paducah, KY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Paducah?
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 extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Paducah?
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.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.