Solar Panels Cost $0k-$0k in Mercer County, KY | November, 2024
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How much do solar panels cost in Mercer County, KY in 2024?
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In Mercer County, KY in November, 2024, the typical price per watt for a solar panel installation is at $0/W
According to the price, solar panels will cost you, on average, $0 per 1K (or 1000 watts) of generation capacounty. In Mercer County, the price of a 5 kW solar panel system is typically $0, after you subtract 30% federal tax credit. To adequately cover your energy consumption, you could need a larger system.
Use the menu on the left to pick your county and see the typical roof size and the average maximum capacity for solar panel systems on residences in your area. Below, you can find a complete overview of the costs, payback period, and 20-year typical savings for a 5 kW system installed in your county.
Average out-of-pocket cost for a 5 kW system The upfront amount spent to buy and install solar.
Mercer County: $0US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Mercer County: 0 yearsUS Average: 7 years
Average Net 20-year savings The total amount of money saved over 20 years minus the out-of-pocket cost.
Mercer County: $36,422US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Mercer County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Mercer County.
Roof size 804sq. ft.
Capacity 11.25kW DC
Electricity 13.3kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Mercer County, KY & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
Energy consumers in Mercer County usually use 1,204 kWh per month, with an average monthly bill of 151.76. Compact residences, such as efficiency studios and apartments, are also included in the numbers noted in the earlier sentence.
In November 2024, the electricity rate in Mercer County, KY averages 12.61¢ per kWh.
Before incentives, a 10 kW solar setup is around $0, with the federal income tax credit giving you 30% back, reducing the price to $0.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Mercer County
To the left, you'll see a detailed cost breakdown of the different sizes of solar panel systems installed in Mercer County. While a bigger solar installation comes with a greater cost, it also offers greater electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
The solar panel cost calculator, positioned to the right and below, offers a cost and benefit breakdown using an average $151.76 electric bill for Mercer County. Easily change the $151.76 to your typical electricity bill for more accurate 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
$0
Savings from a 6kWthis system
Est. yearly production 8,752 kWh
Est. monthly savings $95
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 10.48 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 481 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 25,936 mi less a year
System Size 7kW
Roof Size Min. space required
501 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,327 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 7kWthis system
Est. yearly production 10,211 kWh
Est. monthly savings $111
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 12.22 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 561 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 30,259 mi less a year
System Size 8kW
Roof Size Min. space required
572 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,517 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 8kWthis system
Est. yearly production 11,669 kWh
Est. monthly savings $126
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 13.97 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 642 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 34,582 mi less a year
System Size 9kW
Roof Size Min. space required
644 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,707 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 9kWthis system
Est. yearly production 13,128 kWh
Est. monthly savings $142
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 15.72 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 722 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 38,904 mi less a year
System Size 10kW
Roof Size Min. space required
715 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $1,896 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 10kWthis system
Est. yearly production 14,586 kWh
Est. monthly savings $152
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 16.8 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 772 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 41,580 mi less a year
Mercer County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
If you're a rural small business or farm owner, you might be eligible for REAP Grant coverage of between 80% and 100% for your photovoltaic or wind turbine project. Curious about your eligibility? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check.
Most homeowners can qualify for the 30% federal income tax credit for residential solar, making solar energy a practical option throughout most parts of the country. In addition to federal incentives, there are many state and local initiatives to encourage solar energy adoption.
Kentucky offers 6 solar rebate and incentive programs through different utilities and government agencies.
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 Mercer County, KY?
For homeowners in Mercer County who plan to stay in their residence beyond the solar payback period, solar panels make an good investment. Having a 5 kW solar system in Mercer County, KY can potentially save you around $36,422.4 over a span of 20 years, with an average break even point of 0 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Mercer County, KY
Besides missing out on the previously mentioned savings, not having solar panels or a separate backup energy source makes you fully reliant on your electric utility for electricity. Relying entirely on your utility isn't always ideal, as several recent news reports have highlighted.
Mercer County utilities have averaged 1.16 outages per customer per year in recent times. Each outage, on average, lasts for 139.02 minutes. In the case of major events like winter storms, aging infrastructure, or vandalism, this period can rise substantially.
See the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Mercer County.
A solar energy system, whether or not it has a backup battery, could help reduce the effects of any future power interruptions you might face.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Mercer County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Mercer County, KY?
Your Energy Needs - Even though larger solar panel systems are more expensive initially, the average price per watt reduces as the system size increases. Consumers often find that installing a solar system that can offset their electric bill is extremely useful. This method leads to maximum savings.
Make & Model - There are a wide variety of makes and models of solar panels and mounting equipment. Your installer’s system preferences might necessitate picking a reputable company. Buyers frequently find that using better quality models provides a more positive long-term experience.
Solar Panel Type - For numerous good reasons, monocrystalline panels are now the standard in the industry. Although they are more expensive, they deliver increased energy. The majority of installers use panels made from this material.
Your Property - No two properties or homes are identical. Trees, uneven ground, or other obstructions can increase the difficulty of the installation. Solar installers currently commonly leverage satellite imagery to evaluate your home and incorporate these considerations into the initial cost estimate.
Labor Rates - Variations in employee wages across companies cause expenses that are transferred to the consumers. Higher wages often lead to companies getting better reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Your final installation cost will be impacted by local permitting and utility interconnection fees, which vary by area. Reliable local installers will incorporate these figures into your initial estimates to prevent any surprises.
See what solar panels cost in other Mercer County cities
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Mercer County, KY Solar Panel Cost FAQs
The cost per watt for solar panels in Mercer County, KY during November of 2024 averages $0/W. Installing a 5 kW solar panel system in Mercer County, KY will cost approximately $0 after applying the federal tax credit.
At present, there are 6 rebates and incentives available to Kentucky residents from various utility and government programs. Moreover, nearly everyone is eligible for the 30% federal income tax credit.
Paying cash yields the most savings, but there are now multiple financing options for solar panels that are also cost-effective. Information about financing options will often be detailed in your preliminary quotes by many installers.
Yes, the average 5 kW solar panel payback time in Mercer County, KY is 0 years, with expected savings of $36,422.4 on electricity over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
