See how much it will cost to install solar panels for your home in Kentucky
Our estimates used by
Solar power in Kentucky
Last fact-checked on June 19, 2023, by Catherine Lane
Kentucky residents may not have access to as many solar incentives as residents in other states, but that shouldn’t deter you from switching to clean energy. Kentucky does have state-mandated net metering, which is a huge advantage and will compensate you for the excess energy your solar system creates.
The net metering law combined with the 30% federal tax credit creates the potential for a ton of savings on solar system installations in Kentucky.
Compare solar quotes from the top solar companies in Kentucky
Kentucky solar power facts
$2.73 watt
Average cost: 5kW solar power system
?8 Years 4 Months
Average payback time
$43,102
Average lifetime savings
?6¢ kWh
Levelized cost of solar energy
25¢ kWh
If you don't get solar
?9,986 kWh
Annual power production
Cash flow graph based on cash purchase of a 7.98kW system
This 7.98kW system would offset 100% of your energy usage if your typical monthly bill in Kentucky is $119, however, your situation may vary so try our solar calculator to get a result tailored to you.
How much can solar panels save you in Kentucky
Average total cost of solar panel installation in Kentucky
| System Size | Cash purchase After 30% solar tax credit |
Financed purchase After 30% solar tax credit |
|---|---|---|
| 3kw | $6,027 | $6,509 |
| 4kw | $7,840 | $8,467 |
| 5kw | $9,555 | $10,319 |
| 6kw | $11,214 | $12,111 |
| 7kw | $12,740 | $13,759 |
| 8kw | $14,168 | $15,301 |
| 9kw | $15,561 | $16,806 |
| 10kw | $16,800 | $18,144 |
How much do solar panels cost in Kentucky?
$2.73 per watt
Cash purchased solar system
Before 26% solar tax credit
$4.06 per watt
Financed solar system
Before 26% solar tax credit
$0.0¢ /kWh
Lease/PPA
Ave 15 year term, 2.5% price escalator
What are the pros and cons of installing solar panels in Kentucky?
The advantage of installing solar panels in Kentucky is the state-mandated net metering law. Utilities must offer compensation at a fixed rate set by Public Service Commissions (PSC) for excess energy generated by their solar systems.
The disadvantage of going solar in Kentucky is that there are no state-wide or utility-based incentives besides net metering. Also, huge changes were made recently to the state’s net metering laws, so you no longer have to be paid at the full retail rate for the extra solar energy you produce, meaning solar savings in Kentucky will be lower than before.
Despite the cons, the federal tax credit currently sits at 30%, so now is still an excellent time to go solar!
Best solar companies in Kentucky
Find local city information
Find local information for cities in Kentucky
Compare solar quotes from the top solar companies in Kentucky
How much electricity will solar panels produce in Kentucky
Solar panels produce different amounts of energy in different locations.
Around the Frankfort area solar panels installed on a south-facing 30-degree pitch roof will typically produce:
1,357kWh
per year per 1kW of peak DC
(direct current) capacity
For more information about how your location, roof direction, and roof tilt affects solar power production use the solar panels calculator and enter your zip code.
I want to buy a solar panel kit and install it myself
What rebates, solar tax credits, and other solar incentives are available in Kentucky?
Net metering in Kentucky
Kentucky requires utilities to offer net metering, a huge advantage to solar homeowners. However, recent changes to the policy have made it so solar savings are a bit lower than they once were. These lower savings are due to the fact that utility companies don’t have to credit you based on full retail value anymore. Instead, excess solar power is valued at a rate set by the Public Service Commission (PSC). In some cases, this can be less than half the full retail price.
This isn’t the best-case scenario for net metering, but it’s important to keep in mind that having some form of net metering is better than none at all. Either way, you will be compensated.
Kentucky Solar Calculator
Regardless of what you want to know about the economics of installing solar panels for your home or business in Kentucky, we have a solar calculator that can show you exactly the information you require.
What you can find out about installing solar panels in Kentucky using our full monthly solar calculator
This solar calculator requires you to input your address, utility company, your average monthly power spend - It tells you:
- What size solar system do you need?
- Answers the question of how many solar panels do I need?
- How many square feet of roof space you need for solar panels
- Solar electricity production in annual kWh (kilowatt-hours) you can expect from your solar system in Kentucky
- The value of solar tax credits and other incentives you are entitled to based on the estimated size of system you need, your location and your utility provider.
- Likely cost based on an average of prices charged for solar systems of that size in the last year in Kentucky or Frankfort ;
- The likely payback period on your solar panels and your investment return.
- Your total lifetime solar savings based on each of the major solar finance options, a cash purchase, a cash purchase funded with a HELOC sol (home equity line of credit) and a zero-down PPA or third party lease product.
If you want to see all of the above but also see live pricing, the three best solar deals available in your city and get binding quotes from each of these solar companies then use this Kentucky solar panels calculator. This calculator requires you to also input your name and contact details because most of our 200+ installer partners will only authorize the sharing of their live solar pricing where we have validated that you are a real homeowner with a home in their service area. We respect the privacy of your data and only share your contact details with the solar companies you ask us to get binding quotes from.
Going solar in Kentucky
Check out all of the ways energy providers of Kentucky can help you be more energy-efficient and save money.
The following programs are available:
| Incentive Name | Eligibility | Type |
|---|---|---|
| Residential Clean Energy Tax Credit | Federal | Personal Tax Credit |
| Net Metering | State | Net Metering |
Find your local rebates and incentives
Your city may have further incentives to offer. Please keep in mind that the best source of up-to-date information on incentives is the solar installers who specialize in your area.
