How To Pick a Solar Company in Kentucky and Save Money?
1. Kentucky has a 15% tax credit for solar panel installation.
2. In this state, over 50% of electricity comes from coal - a profit drain!
3. Kentucky weather features 170 sunny days each year, perfect for solar energy.
4. State law requires utilities to net-meter solar panel systems. More savings for you!
5. According to SEIA, the average price of solar in KY is $2.64/W. Shop smart!
6. As per the most recent data, 0.4% of Kentucky's energy comes from solar. Tremendous growth potential!
7. Over the past 5 years, the growth of solar jobs in KY is 10%.
8. The price of solar installations fell by 45% in the last half-decade.
9. Kentucky offers two incentive programs for solar energy: net metering and tax credit.
10. As per regulations, KY utilities must purchase excess solar power. An appealing ROI!
11. Kentucky is in the Top 20 for solar cost-effectiveness. Great bang for your buck!
12. In 5-10 years, your solar panels can break even, depending on your energy consumption.
13. Solar increases home value by an average estimate of $6,000 per installed kilowatt.
14. The average residential installation size in Kentucky is 5 kW, yielding impressive savings.
15. With solar leasing programs available, you can go solar with zero upfront costs.
How Much Electricity Solar Panels Generate In Kentucky?
Kentucky receives approximately 4-4.5 kWh/m² of solar irradiance daily. Solar systems' effective output often scales down to 80-90% capacity due to inefficiencies. Considering this, a reasonably sized 5kW system could generate around 16-20kWh per day. That's 480-600kWh monthly or 5,760-7,200kWh annually. However, peak sun hour variance influences this yield significantly. In Kentuckian winters, with 3-4 peak sun hours, expect electricity production to drop significantly. Conversely, brighter summers will yield more, with 4-6 peak sun hours daily. Note - separate system size data will be required for accurate estimates. The aforementioned 5kW system spans 340-400 ft² of roof space. Grid connectivity laws in Kentucky do affect how you use harnessed energy. The electricity produced is consumed early, and excess sent to the grid isn't stored. All data considered, solar in Kentucky certainly offers quite the luminous opportunity.
Find best solar installers in Kentucky
Average Cost of Solar Installation in Kentucky by System Size
| System Size (kW) | Cash Purchase Price (After Tax Credit) | Financed Purchase Price (After Tax Credit) |
|---|---|---|
| 3kW | $10,460 | $11,210 |
| 4kW | $13,945 | $14,950 |
| 5kW | $17,430 | $18,690 |
| 6kW | $20,915 | $22,430 |
| 7kW | $24,400 | $26,170 |
| 8kW | $27,885 | $29,910 |
| 9kW | $31,370 | $33,650 |
| 10kW | $34,855 | $36,390 |
What To Look For in a Solar Installer?
1. Laws and Regulations: Kentucky mandates net metering up to 30 kW. It's a big win for solar adopters.
2. Geography: With 4.2 peak sun-hours daily, Kentucky's climate is suitable for efficient solar adoption.
3. Installer Expertise: Choose someone with Cumberland Plateau's complex terrain experience.
4. Licensing: Verify if the installer is SEIA-certified. It's a trusted seal in the industry.
5. Reputation: Online reviews and credentials matter. Check Google, Yelp, and Better Business Bureau ratings.
6. Local Installers: Employ local businesses. They'll be more adept with the state's processes.
7. Price: The average cost is $2.70/Watt in Kentucky. Spotting mark-ups is essential.
8. Financing Options: The state lacks solar-friendly incentives or tax-breaks. An installer offering attractive payment strategies is a plus.
9. Quality of Equipment: The lifespan of panels can be 25+ years. Don't skimp on quality.
10. Warranty: Seek robust performance and product warranties. Kentucky doesn't necessitate solar equipment warranties.
11. Customer Service: A reliable installer offers post-installation support too. It is critical.
12. Time: It averagely takes 8 to 12 weeks for installation. Benchmark proposed timelines.
13. Energy Efficiency Assessment: Expect a thorough on-site evaluation. It helps to maximize return on investment.
Take these considerations in stride and make an informed choice.
Is It Worth Investing in Solar in Kentucky?
Kentucky's solar sector has been thriving. A massive 327% growth occurred between 2014 and 2019. The Bluegrass State homes 10,035 solar jobs (April 2019). Kentucky solar panel prices dropped by 47% in the past five years. Solar is gaining traction despite lackluster state incentives.
However, 2021 is pivotal. There's a hot debate over net metering. Current policies permit solar customers to get retail value for extra energy sent back to the grid. Policymakers propose a lower rate in 2022.
Kentucky receives a sunny average of 4.57 hours per day. A robust amount for solar energy production. Local utility companies offer power purchase agreements. Landing these contracts is competitive, but they provide stable returns over 15-20 years.
The state's Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) is voluntary. Incentivizing utilities to use more renewables, though it's not mandatory. Solar installation costs are offset by the Federal Solar Tax Credit. Grants up to 26% are retrieved from installation costs.
The carbon offset is significant. A residential PV system in Kentucky offsets about 5.1 tons of carbon dioxide per year. It's akin to planting 84 trees annually.
Investing in solar offers moderate ROI, contributes to job growth, involves policy risk, but yields ecological bonuses. A thoughtful risk vs reward scenario to consider.
How Solar-Friendly Is Kentucky?
Kentucky's solar productivity is surprisingly impressive, contributing to its clean energy push. On average, Kentucky's solar potential is 4.27 kWh/m^2/day, outshining Germany, a global solar leader. Yet, contradictory legislation hinders progress.
Historically, Kentucky regulated solar via net metering laws. Solar consumers sold excess energy back to the grid at retail rates. In 2019, revised legislation permitted utilities to buy back at lower wholesale rates—a game changer for ROI. This slashed owners' financial benefits, impacting solar power's appeal.
However, sunnier news is on the horizon. Kentucky's Climate Action Plan, launched in 2020, strongly promotes renewable sources. This policy framework could help solar flourish again.
Despite legislative hurdles, 127 solar companies operate statewide. These ventures generate 1,211 jobs, spurring local economy momentum. High-profile projects like Berea College's 1.32 MW solar array, play a vital role in energy diversification.
Industry data suggest 800,000 Kentucky households could adopt rooftop solar. The potential energy generation? A whopping 6,400 MW! Solar's potential to revolutionize Kentucky's energy landscape is undeniable.
In sum, Kentucky's solar scene is challenged but promising. A balance between regulation and innovation is crucial—greater legislative encouragement could see the dawn of a sunnier era.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the most important factors to consider in Kentucky State?
1. Size up your electricity needs. Understand your consumption patterns.
2. Match the system size. Don’t overbuy or undersize.
3. Know your roof's sun exposure. Not all roofs are created equal.
4. Evaluate the performance guarantee. Trust, but verify.
5. Inspect warranties. No hasty decisions, please.
6. Find highly-rated installers. Only the best for you.
7. Compare consultation costs. No hidden agenda, promise.
8. Understand the payback period. Return on investment matters.
9. Incentives? Yes, Kentucky offers them.
10. Financing program? Dive deep into it.
11. Grid connectivity rules. Get well-versed quickly! - How do I find the most affordable solar installer in Kentucky State?
Firstly, compare rates from different companies. Seek custom quotes from multiple solar installers. Discounts or promotional offers can reduce costs significantly. Check for reputable credentials, experience, and customer reviews. A low price doesn't guarantee top quality. Research available financing options like solar loans or leases. Investigate potential utility or federal incentives that can offset installation costs. Finally, make an informed decision factoring in budget, installer reputation, and warranty perks. Your choice can contribute to a cost-effective, efficient solar energy solution in Kentucky.
- Which companies did we not choose for the best in Kentucky State?
Well, sunshine, let's shed some light on this! Not all solar installers meet our stringent standards. Some lack the necessary licensing or don't meet our high safety bar. Others may be missing crucial positive customer feedback. We sift through the chaff to highlight true solar rockstars, excluding anyone less. This ensures our platform's credibility and your satisfaction. We believe in quality over quantity, keeping it sleek and shiny!
