Solar Panel Cost Guide in Westwood, KY (2024 Update)
- Westwood Solar Installation Cost: $24,848
- 25-Year Savings: $28,331
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Westwood
We go over average solar pricing in Westwood.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Westwood, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Westwood, most homeowners require a 9.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $24,848, or $35,533 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Westwood based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $17,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Westwood find going solar can be quite rewarding.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Westwood
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,299 |
| 3 years | $-20,202 |
| 5 years | $-17,104 |
| 7 years | $-14,007 |
| 9 years | $-10,909 |
| 11 years | $-7,812 |
| 13 years | $-4,714 |
| 15 years | $-1,617 |
| 17 years | $1,481 |
| 19 years | $4,578 |
| 21 years | $7,675 |
| 23 years | $10,773 |
| 25 years | $13,870 |
Top Solar Installers in Westwood
Installing solar panels on your own can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, especially if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Westwood
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Westwood
The cost of installing a solar system in Westwood can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Westwood, 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 electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Westwood, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Westwood homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Westwood, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $11,364 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $15,560 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $19,961 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $24,567 | 13.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $29,377 | 13.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $34,391 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $39,610 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $45,033 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
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 Westwood, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Westwood?
The average cost of solar panels in Westwood is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Does Westwood have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Westwood?
On average, solar panels can last 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 higher level 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.