Solar Panel Cost Guide in Paducah, KY (Mar 2023)
- Paducah Solar Installation Cost: $15,119
- 25-Year Savings: $30,928
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Paducah
Here's how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Paducah.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Paducah, the average cost of solar panels is 2.34 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Paducah is around 9.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,119 for a solar installation, or $21,620 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Paducah depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Paducah
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,277 |
| 3 years | $-9,593 |
| 5 years | $-5,909 |
| 7 years | $-2,226 |
| 9 years | $1,458 |
| 11 years | $5,142 |
| 13 years | $8,826 |
| 15 years | $12,509 |
| 17 years | $16,193 |
| 19 years | $19,877 |
| 21 years | $23,561 |
| 23 years | $27,245 |
| 25 years | $30,928 |
Top Solar Installers in Paducah
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Paducah
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Paducah
The cost of installing a solar system in Paducah can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,340. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Paducah average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to green energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Paducah, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. Companies that 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 at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for 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 | $2.43 | $10,221 | $19,708 | 8.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.39 | $13,366 | $26,539 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.34 | $16,380 | $33,502 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.29 | $19,263 | $40,595 | 8.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.25 | $22,015 | $47,820 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.20 | $24,636 | $55,175 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.15 | $27,125 | $62,662 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.11 | $29,484 | $70,280 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will influence not only your total 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 take into account, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you hire.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable 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 look into 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 Paducah, KY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Paducah?
The average cost of solar panels in Paducah is about $11,700 for a 5-kW system and $23,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Paducah?
You can't get solar panels for free in Paducah. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Does Paducah have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you 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?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know 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 house 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.