Key insights
A typical residential solar system costs $13,143 to $26,285 in Kentucky.
Jump to insightOn average, it takes solar panels approximately 18.38 years to pay for themselves in Kentucky.
Jump to insightOver 25 years, Kentucky homeowners with solar panels avoid $18,380 in total utility costs on average.
Jump to insight6 factors to consider before getting solar panels in Kentucky
Kentucky doesn’t get as much sun as Southwestern states, but it still gets enough to make solar panels worth it for a lot of residents. Here’s what to consider before making the switch.
1. Solar panel installation costs
Average solar panel costs in Kentucky are comparable to the national average. A typical residential solar panel system costs $19,199 in Kentucky. However, adding a solar storage battery can add $7,000 to $18,000 to your total system costs.
Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. “Cost per watt” is a little like looking at the price per square foot when you buy a house. It helps you compare the value of solar energy systems in different sizes. In Kentucky, the average cost per watt is $2.63.
Solar panel costs by system size in Kentucky
| 5 kW | 6 kW | 7 kW | 8 kW | 9 kW | 10 kW | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Statewide average | $13,143 | $15,771 | $18,400 | $21,028 | $23,657 | $26,285 |
2. Your current energy consumption
Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.
A typical Kentucky household needs a 7.3 kW system to offset its electricity needs with solar energy. You might need a larger or smaller system, depending on your current energy consumption.
Once you know your current energy consumption, you can calculate your potential savings and the time it should take for your solar installation to pay for itself.
It’s smart to get your electrical loads as low as possible before going solar. That way, you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper overall. If you have older electrical appliances, upgrade those before investing in solar panels.
3. Kentucky solar incentives: federal and state
The 30% federal residential solar tax credit has expired, and Kentucky doesn’t offer a statewide residential solar rebate or tax credit. Homeowners may still save through net metering.
Net metering lets Kentucky homeowners earn bill credits for extra solar power sent to the grid.
Check your utility’s current net metering rates and rules before installing solar.
How much those credits are worth depends on your utility and when you enrolled. Older customers may receive more favorable one-for-one credits, while newer customers generally receive lower dollar-based credits.
Unused credits can roll over to future bills, but they generally can’t be cashed out when you close the account.
» LEARN MORE: Solar incentives in Kentucky
4. How long you plan to stay in your house
Solar panels last 25 to 30 years.
It takes years for electric bill savings to make up for the initial cost — about 18.38 years on average in Kentucky. If you sell your house and move before then, you might not fully realize the financial benefits of your solar investment.
A 2019 Zillow study found that, on average, houses with solar panels sell for 4.1% more. But don't get solar panels just because you want to sell your house soon. Instead, consider a home improvement project with a higher return on investment, like remodeling the bathroom or kitchen.
5. How you pay
It’s great if you can pay for the whole thing upfront. Of course, cash isn’t always an option. That’s when loans and leases come in.
Solar loans work like any other type of home improvement loan. There’s an application and approval process. You pay it back over time (with interest) each month.
Leasing solar panels lets you set up a system without the high upfront costs. Monthly payments usually range $150 to $250. Agreements last 20 to 25 years.
» SOLAR PANELS: Leasing vs. buying
6. The solar company you hire
ConsumerAffairs has heard from thousands of solar customers who have already gone through the installation process, including several from Kentucky. In the best-case scenario, it’s easy to make the switch and you’re happy with your system’s performance.
In the worst-case scenario, you end up paying thousands for midtier solar equipment from a company with poor customer service and no follow-up or support.
One of the most common complaints is related to pushy sales reps who make promises that can’t be delivered. That’s why it’s so important to thoroughly research and verify claims made by sales teams before making a decision.
Going solar in Kentucky
Beyond the economic factors, many people choose solar because of environmental concerns and a desire to reduce their carbon footprint. Kentucky’s traditional reliance on coal means that shifting to solar can have a positive environmental impact.
Pros and cons of solar panels in Kentucky
It’s a common misconception that solar panels will completely eliminate your monthly power bill — this is not always the case. Still, you’ll likely spend less than you would for traditional utility bills over time.
Pros
- Long-term savings
- Better for the environment
- Low maintenance costs
- May increase home resale value
Cons
- Upfront costs
- Seasonal production variations
- Potential roof leaks
Is my house a good candidate for solar panels?
Going solar doesn’t work out for everybody. Here’s what to ask yourself before you commit:
- How much sunlight do I get? Kentucky averages three to four peak sun hours each day. However, lots of shading — like trees or tall buildings above your roof — could make your solar system less efficient. Solar panels need regular exposure to sunlight to produce the most energy possible.
- What is the size and angle of my roof? Kentucky (and the rest of the United States) is in the Northern Hemisphere, so solar panels perform best on south-facing roofs. The worst place to install would be on north-facing roofs, especially if those roofs have a high pitch.
- What is the condition of my roof? Solar panels are designed to last up to 30 years, so you want your roof to last just as long. Otherwise, it could cost thousands to remove the panels, fix your roof and reinstall the panels again. If you have to replace your roof, do that before you install solar panels.
Find solar companies in Kentucky
A good solar company helps you navigate local incentives, permitting and net metering policies. Compare our picks for Kentucky’s top solar companies to learn more.
| Company | Customer rating | Free quote | Payment options | Warranty | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Blue Raven Solar | Learn More | 3.0 |  | Cash, loan, lease, PPA | 25 years |
 Green Home Systems | Learn More | 1.0 | | Cash, loan | 25 years |
 Tesla Energy | Learn More | 1.9 | | Cash, loan and lease | 10-25 years |
 Sunnova | Learn More | 1.1 | | Cash, loan, lease and PPA | 25-year system warranty |
 ShopSolar | Learn More | 4.5 | | Cash, loan | Varies |
Kentucky solar FAQ
What are the benefits of going solar in Kentucky?
Going solar has a few benefits in Kentucky:
Cheaper energy bills: The average homeowner in Kentucky uses a lot of power, which adds up to a lot of savings when you switch to solar. Going solar now means that your monthly energy expenses will be more predictable (and very often significantly lower). It also protects you from future energy cost increases.
Better for the environment: Traditional energy sources like coal and natural gas release carbon dioxide and other harmful pollutants into the air. Installing solar panels on your roof helps the environment primarily by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and dependence on fossil fuels.
Higher home resale value: Installing solar panels can increase a home's value. The exact increase in value varies by location, with homes in active solar markets sometimes seeing even higher boosts.
More energy independence: Embracing solar paves the path toward true energy independence. It works especially well for people in areas susceptible to power outages.
What are the drawbacks of going solar in Kentucky?
Going solar has a few drawbacks in Kentucky:
Solar equipment is expensive: Solar panel prices typically starts between $10,000 and $30,000. It’s even more expensive if you want a solar battery for energy storage. Solar battery costs are generally between $7,000 and $18,000.
Potential roof leaks: The installation process involves drilling holes into the roof to anchor the panel mounting systems. If not done correctly, this can lead to leaks or structural damage.
Could make your house harder to sell: Solar panels can make a home harder to sell if they’re leased or financed, since the buyer may have to take over the agreement. Some buyers may also worry about roof repairs, maintenance or whether the system will actually save them money.
Energy production varies: Solar panels are dependent on weather conditions and seasonality. Solar panels still work on cloudy days, but less available sunlight does affect how efficiently they produce energy. Snow cover may also temporarily reduce efficiency until it's removed or melts off.
» MORE: Solar energy pros and cons
How much can I save with solar panels?
On average, Kentucky homeowners with solar panels avoid $18,380 in total utility costs over 25 years.
» EXPLORE: Where solar savings go the furthest
How long does it take to install solar panels in Kentucky?
Installation times depend on a range of factors, especially seasonality and supply chain issues. The actual installation might take only a day, but it takes time to design, plan and activate the system.
Is it cheaper if I install solar panels myself?
It’s potentially cheaper to install your solar energy system yourself, but it’s difficult and dangerous if you don’t know what you’re doing, especially for a large residential project.
» DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros and cons
Bottom line: Is going solar in Kentucky worth it for you?
Going solar might be easier than you think. The main obstacle to going solar is the high upfront cost of purchasing and installing solar panels, inverters and other equipment. Given rising energy costs in Kentucky and elsewhere, financing solar panels makes sense as long as your monthly loan payment is less than what you would be paying the utility company anyway. Solar panels essentially generate free electricity once the initial installation costs are paid for.
Solar costs vs. savings: Kentucky and nearby states
| 6-kW system cost (before incentives) | 10-kW system cost (before incentives) | Typical system size needed* | Average cost per watt | Total utility power cost savings** | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $18,415 | $30,691 | 7.3 kW | $3.07 | $28,060 |
| Indiana | $17,115 | $28,524 | 8.7 kW | $2.85 | $24,351 |
| Kentucky | $15,771 | $26,285 | 7.3 kW | $2.63 | $18,380 |
| Missouri | $15,220 | $25,366 | 10.9 kW | $2.54 | $29,087 |
| Ohio | $16,699 | $27,832 | 7.2 kW | $2.78 | $48,647 |
| Tennessee | $18,277 | $30,462 | 6.7 kW | $3.05 | $2,846 |
| Virginia | $16,363 | $27,271 | 6.9 kW | $2.73 | $41,992 |
| West Virginia | $18,573 | $30,955 | 8.4 kW | $3.10 | $63,643 |
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
DSIRE, “Kentucky Programs.” Accessed Sept. 9, 2026.
EnergySage, “The cost of solar panels in Kentucky.” Accessed Sept. 9, 2026.
Solar Energy Industries Association, “Kentucky Solar.” Accessed Sept. 9, 2026.
SolarReviews, “How much do solar panels cost in Kentucky?” Accessed Sept. 9, 2026.
Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet, “Solar Energy in Kentucky.” Accessed Sept. 9, 2026.
The Kentucky Solar Energy Society, “Incentives for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.” Accessed Sept. 9, 2026.
