Kentucky goes solar with SunPower®
For clean and reliable energy in the Bluegrass State, go solar
The state of solar in Kentucky
Kentucky averages around 189 sunny days each year,*BestPlaces: Climate in Kentucky: https://www.bestplaces.net/climate/state/kentucky (July 2021) making it a prime location for solar energy. The state currently generates enough solar electricity to power over 6,000 homes.*SEIA: Kentucky Solar: https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/kentucky-solar (July 2021) However, according to Google's Project Sunroof, Kentucky can generate even more, up to 14 million MWh AC per year if 88% of its solar-viable buildings add solar panels.*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer: https://sunroof.withgoogle.com/data-explorer/place/ChIJyVMZi0xzQogR_N_Mx... (November 2018)
How much solar energy does Kentucky produce?
Kentucky generated 61.2 MW of solar energy during the first quarter of 2021. The power comes from 2,770 solar installations spread across the state and contributes to 0.15% of Kentucky's electricity. Projections indicate that solar energy in the Bluegrass State will rise to 817 MW within the next five years.*SEIA: Kentucky Solar: https://www.seia.org/state-solar-policy/kentucky-solar (July 2021)
What are the advantages of going solar in Kentucky?
Solar installation costs have dropped by 43% over the last five years, and solar installers expect prices to drop even further in the coming years. Switching to solar energy is also cheaper than relying on the grid. That's because the average residential electricity grid rate in Kentucky is 9.43¢ per kWh,*Electricity Local: https://www.electricitylocal.com/states/kentucky/ (July 2021) while solar power costs around 8.39¢ per kWh.*SunMetrix: Solar Tax Credits, Incentives and Solar Rebates in Kentucky: https://sunmetrix.com/solar-tax-credits-incentives-and-solar-rebates/Ken... (December 2017)
Besides saving you money, going solar can help save the planet. Installing solar panels will reduce your carbon footprint, and if 88% of Kentucky buildings go solar, it will reduce C02 emissions by 10.9 million metric tons.*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer: https://sunroof.withgoogle.com/data-explorer/place/ChIJyVMZi0xzQogR_N_MxU5vH3c/ (November 2018)
Lastly, installing solar panels will future-proof your home and add up to $12,000 to its resale value.
How much does solar cost in Kentucky?
The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same state, due to a range of factors. These include:
Roof size
Property energy needs
Solar panel brand and quality
Installer rates
Weather
To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered by third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In Kentucky, we found that the average investment to own a 5 kW solar system is $12,250, or in other words, $2.45 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.
If you want to save money, these solar incentives reduce the cost of going solar in Kentucky:
Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit: Homeowners who purchase their system as opposed to leasing it, can get a tax credit of up to 30% of the total cost of the solar installation.*Tax credits and incentives are subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.
USDA Rural Energy for America Program: The program allows businesses to access loans or grants for solar panel installation.
Net Energy Metering: Kentucky's net metering policy isn’t the best, but it still entitles you to payments for excess electricity sent to the grid by your solar system. The amount paid for your surplus electricity will depend on your utility company.*The availability of net metering varies by location and is subject to change. Visit dsireusa.org for detailed solar policy information.
Solar Rebates: Kentucky doesn't have an official solar state rebate policy. However, solar panel manufacturers offer various rebates.
What's the best way to go solar in Kentucky?
The quality, aesthetics, and durability of solar systems vary between manufacturers. If you want the right system, learn about home solar for your property with a licensed and reputable solar provider. They know how to design solar solutions that are custom-fit for your home and goals.
Be sure to arrange for a consultation and custom design that can tailor solar solutions to meet your budget, property, and energy needs. If you install premium quality solar systems from reputable brands, they should stand the test of time.
You should also consider how a solar system will affect your property value and complement its overall aesthetics. A reputable solar energy company should also help you access every available solar incentive and rebate to help you reduce installation costs.
If you’re ready to get started, we’re happy to help. Simply request a free consultation with SunPower below and we'll follow up with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.
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