Solar Panel Cost Guide in Shelbyville, KY (2025 Update)
- Shelbyville Solar Installation Cost: $24,592
- 25-Year Savings: $22,222
- Payback Period: 16.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Shelbyville
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Shelbyville.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Shelbyville it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Shelbyville, most homeowners require a 9.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $24,592, or $35,167 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Shelbyville homeowner can save about $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Shelbyville
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,213 |
| 3 years | $-20,455 |
| 5 years | $-17,697 |
| 7 years | $-14,939 |
| 9 years | $-12,182 |
| 11 years | $-9,424 |
| 13 years | $-6,666 |
| 15 years | $-3,908 |
| 17 years | $-1,150 |
| 19 years | $1,607 |
| 21 years | $4,365 |
| 23 years | $7,123 |
| 25 years | $9,881 |
Top Solar Installers in Shelbyville
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar companies provide can be useful as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what brand of solar equipment would be right for your home.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
See all of the solar companies in Shelbyville
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Shelbyville
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Shelbyville is $24,592, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $3,650. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Shelbyville average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Shelbyville, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Shelbyville, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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 | $7,738 | 16.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $10,725 | 16.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $13,918 | 16.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $17,315 | 15.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $20,916 | 15.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $24,721 | 15.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $28,731 | 14.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $32,946 | 14.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Shelbyville, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide quality solar panel installation and expertise.
EcoWatch's Shelbyville, KY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Shelbyville?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly 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 be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Shelbyville?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Shelbyville have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power 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 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.