Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Liberty, KY (Mar 2023)
- West Liberty Solar Installation Cost: $15,889
- 25-Year Savings: $28,230
- Payback Period: 9.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in West Liberty
We go over average solar pricing in West Liberty.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in West Liberty, the average cost of a solar system is 2.34 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 9.7-kW system would cost about $15,889 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $17,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar company in West Liberty for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in West Liberty
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,124 |
| 3 years | $-10,594 |
| 5 years | $-7,065 |
| 7 years | $-3,535 |
| 9 years | $-6 |
| 11 years | $3,524 |
| 13 years | $7,053 |
| 15 years | $10,583 |
| 17 years | $14,112 |
| 19 years | $17,642 |
| 21 years | $21,171 |
| 23 years | $24,701 |
| 25 years | $28,230 |
Top Solar Installers in West Liberty
Installing solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in West Liberty, thereby optimizing your ROI.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 West Liberty
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Liberty
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in West Liberty: 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 system in West Liberty, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,340 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the West Liberty average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many West Liberty homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for West Liberty homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $17,068 | 9.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.39 | $13,366 | $23,019 | 9.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.34 | $16,380 | $29,102 | 9.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.29 | $19,263 | $35,315 | 8.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.25 | $22,015 | $41,659 | 8.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.20 | $24,636 | $48,135 | 8.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.15 | $27,125 | $54,741 | 8.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.11 | $29,484 | $61,479 | 8.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for 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 quality company.
- 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 significant role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
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 West Liberty, KY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Liberty?
The average cost of solar panels in West Liberty is about $11,700 for a 5-kW system and $23,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in West Liberty?
A solar panel system isn't free in West Liberty, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in West Liberty?
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 energy 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 decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.