Solar Panels Cost $14k-$24k in Clark County, KY | December, 2024
High Power Bills?
Reduce or replace your electricity bill with solar
No data available
How much do solar panels cost in Clark County, KY in 2024?
No data available
The typical cost per watt of solar in Clark County, KY in December, 2024 is estimated at $3.56/W.
Applying the price, we can come to the conclusion that for every 1 kW (1000 watts) of solar power capacounty will cost you $3,560 for installation. After the 30% federal tax credit, the cost of a 5 kW solar system in Clark County typically totals up to approximately $12,460. Please note that a higher capacity system may be required to ensure your energy demands are met.
On the left, select your county to view the typical roof size and the maximum production capacity for residential solar on houses in your area. Additionally, you can also see an outline of the costs, payback period and 20 year average savings for a 5 kW system in your county below.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Clark County: $12,460US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Clark County: 7 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Clark County: $18,440US Average: $16,152
Solar Potential in Clark County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Clark County.
Roof size 804sq. ft.
Capacity 11.25kW DC
Electricity 13.3kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Clark County, KY & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
On average, a Clark County energy consumer uses 1,150 kWh and pays 151.00 per month for electricity. Small apartments are also included in the numbers cited in the earlier sentence. The lower energy use in these types of dwellings impacts those averages.
The average electricity rate in Clark County, KY in December 2024 is 13.13¢ per kWh.
Initially, a 10 kW setup is priced at $35,600, but after the 30% federal tax credit, you’re looking at a total of $24,920.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Clark County
On the left side below, you can find a detailed cost breakdown for various solar panel system sizes installed in Clark County. The initial cost for larger solar systems is higher, but they also provide higher electricity savings and larger income tax credits.
In the solar panel cost calculator located to the right and below, you can see a cost and benefit breakdown to match an average $151.00 electric bill in Clark County. Swap the $151.00 with your average electricity bill to get more detailed results.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
System Size 6kW
Roof Size Min. space required
429 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,138 a year
Est. Price
$14,952
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,752 kWh
Est. monthly savings $95
Full payback in 8 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 6.79 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 312 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 16,800 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,327 a year
Est. Price
$17,444
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,211 kWh
Est. monthly savings $111
Full payback in 10 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 7.92 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 364 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 19,600 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,517 a year
Est. Price
$19,936
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,669 kWh
Est. monthly savings $126
Full payback in 11 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 9.05 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 416 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 22,400 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,707 a year
Est. Price
$22,428
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,128 kWh
Est. monthly savings $142
Full payback in 12 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 10.18 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 468 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 25,200 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,896 a year
Est. Price
$24,920
Savings from a 10kWthis system
Est. yearly production 14,586 kWh
Est. monthly savings $151
Full payback in 14 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 10.81 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 496 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 26,756 mi less a year
Clark County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
Between 80% and 100% of your solar or wind turbine installation costs may be covered by the REAP Grant if you own a rural small business or farm. If you think you might be eligible, try our REAP Grant eligibility tool to confirm your qualification.
Most residents are eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, making it a viable option in numerous states throughout the country. On top of that, there are various state and local incentives to further encourage the adoption of solar energy.
Kentucky offers 6 solar rebate and incentive programs through multiple utilities and government entities.
Solar incentives in KYIncentive Description Value
Tax Exemption for Large-Scale Renewable Energy Projects
Value:Varies
Beginning in 2007, companies operating in Kentucky may be entitled to corporate sales or income tax exemptions on new energy efficiency or renewable energy investments. A complete sales tax exemption may apply to any materials or equipment a company uses to make improvements. Certain employees whose jobs were created as part of the improvements may write off a 4% wage assessment on their own income taxes. A minimum investment of $1 million is required. New solar facilities should be rated for at least 50 KW, while systems using other renewable technology should be rated for at least 1 MW. Additional information is available from the Think Kentucky website.
On-Farm Energy Efficiency Grant Program
Value:Varies
The Office of Agricultural Policy, a unit of the office of the Kentucky governor, oversees the County Agricultural Investment Program (CAIP). Farmers may be eligible for program grants to fund energy efficiency improvements. Eligible projects for grant funding include new implements, insulation/weatherization, lighting, HVAC, windows, roofing, and smart thermostats. New solar thermal/PV systems and wind turbines may also be eligible. Equipment and building materials must meet certain state efficiency standards. Interested farmers may apply at any time and will be considered for the upcoming program year. Additional information is available from the OAP website.
Net Metering
Value:Varies
Kentucky requires private electrical utilities in the Commonwealth to collect renewable energy credits through net metering arrangements with their customers. Any solar, wind, biomass, or other renewable energy system rated for under 45 kW should have a bidirectional meter equipped to measure net excess generation (NEG) sent back to the grid. Customers will be compensated at a rate set by the state utility regulator. As of 2021, the rate per kilowatt hour is 9.746 cents. Systems entering a net metering contract must comply with certain IEEE and UL standards. Utilities reserve the right to restrict NEG exports to keep the grid stable. Additional information is available from the Kentucky Public Service Commission website.
Incentives for Energy Independence
Value:Varies
Various tax incentives are available in Kentucky to encourage renewable adoption research and adoption in the Commonwealth. New renewable generation farms, such as those using solar, wind, or biomass technology, may be totally exempt from state income tax, entity tax, and sales/use tax. Employees maintaining the systems may be entitled to tax credits equal to a 4% wage assessment on employers. Exemptions or special assessments are determined on a case-by-case basis and will last for up to 25 years. Certain administrative fees payable to the Kentucky Economic Development Finance Authority may apply. Additional information is available from the Think Kentucky website.
Energy Efficiency Loans for State Government Agencies
Value:Varies
The Green Bank of Kentucky (GBKY) received seed funding from the 2009 federal stimulus package. Currently, the Bank offers revolving loans to commonwealth government agencies for sustainability projects. Agencies may select from three different loan options. In each case, repaid principal will immediately "revolve" to support subsequent borrowers. SELF loans may fund any energy efficiency improvements or renewable energy investments that will reduce consumption by 20%. Available principal ranges from $50K to a maximum of $225K. Hybrid loans offer principal from $50K to $600K. These loans require energy audits before project work begins, the cost of which may be covered by loan funds. Agencies have the burden of procuring contractors and new equipment/materials. ESPC loans are designed for comprehensive or large-scale industrial improvements. Loan principal starts at $600K with no maximum. The applicant must use a recognized Energy Service Company or Energy Savings Performance Company for the work. Additional information is available from the GBKY website.
Interconnection Standards
Value:Varies
Distributed generation and interconnection have been standardized by the Kentucky Public Service Commission since 2009. Each energy system connected to the commonwealth grid will be assigned to a numerical "level" based on rated capacity. Systems at each level must follow recognized standards such as those set by IEEE or UL. Interconnection fees and application review turnaround will depend on the system's level. Customers must carry at least minimum liability insurance coverage on their energy system, and they may be required to install disconnect switches or other safety features by their utility. However, they will own any renewable energy credits they generate and may sell them to the utility at their discretion.
Are solar panels worth it in Clark County, KY?
If you plan living in your home longer than the solar system's payback period, installing solar panels is an obvious decision in Clark County. A 5 kW solar system in Clark County, KY could potentially save you $23,780 over the course of 20 years, with the break even point averaging at 7 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Clark County, KY
Beyond forgoing the savings noted above, the absence of solar panels or an alternative backup energy solution leads to total dependency on your electric utility for power. Total reliance on your utility isn't always the best scenario as the news has recently shown.
Customers in Clark County have encountered around 0.99 outages per year on average. On average, each outage lasts for 124.69 minutes. Major events like aging infrastructure, landslides or planned maintenance can considerably extend these durations.
See the info below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Clark County.
Even without a backup battery, a solar panel system could alleviate the burden of potential future power disruptions you may face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Clark County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Clark County, KY?
Your Energy Needs - The cost per watt is decreased with larger solar panel systems, even though the initial cost is higher. Numerous people find it beneficial to set up a solar energy system that can offset their entire electric bill. This ensures optimal savings.
Make & Model - Solar panels and mounting equipment, like many other products, come in different makes and models. The preferences for system that your installer has may make it essential to choose a reputable company. Consumers who opt for superior materials generally enjoy a better long-term experience.
Solar Panel Type - The standard in the industry is now monocrystalline panels, and for good reason. They are pricier but produce more energy. The majority of professionals in solar installation use panels crafted from this material.
Your Property - No two properties or homes are the same. Rough terrain, trees, or additional hindrances can make the installation process more challenging. The majority of solar installers today are able to use satellite imagery to assess your home and incorporate these elements in the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Employees get varied wages from different companies, and these costs are borne by the consumers. Companies that pay higher wages often receive higher reviews for their work and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Installation costs will be affected by different local permitting and utility interconnection fees, depending on the region. Quality local installers will include these numbers into your first quotes to prevent any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Clark County cities
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Clark County, KY Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As of December, 2024, the typical cost for solar panels in Clark County, KY is $3.56/W. A 5 kW solar panel system will cost you around $12,460 in Clark County, KY after the federal tax credit is applied.
There are 6 rebates and incentives available in Kentucky from a range of utility providers and government organizations. Additionally, the vast majority qualify for the 30% federal tax credit.
Even though cash payments provide the greatest savings, many financing options for solar panels today are also cost-effective. Installers will often include details on financing partners in the quotes they provide initially.
Yes, homeowners in Clark County, KY generally see a payback time of 7 years for 5 kW solar panel systems, with electricity savings averaging $23,780 over a 20-year period.