Solar Panels Cost $0k-$0k in Shelby County, KY | November, 2024
High Power Bills?
Reduce or replace your electricity bill with solar
No data available
How much do solar panels cost in Shelby County, KY in 2024?
No data available
To have solar installed in the month of November, 2024 in Shelby County, KY averages out to $0/W.
Expect to pay $0, on average, for every 1 kW (or 1000 watts) of solar energy your solar system will need to produce. We can conclude this in accordance with this rate price cost above. In Shelby County, the cost of a 5 kW system is generally $0, after you deduct 30% federal tax credit. Depending on your energy usage, your home may need a bigger system.
To the left, you have the option to select your county and view the average roof size along with the average maximum capacity for solar panels in homes in your area. Outlined below are the costs, payback period, and 20-year average 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.
Shelby County: $0US Average: $12,523
Average Payback Period The number of years until you break even on the solar investment.
Shelby 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.
Shelby County: $37,390US Average: $16,169
Solar Potential in Shelby County
Estimated system size and solar electricity production per median viable roof in Shelby County.
Roof size 1,287sq. ft.
Capacity 18kW DC
Electricity 20.9kkWh AC per yr.
Electricity Costs in Shelby County, KY & What that Means for Your Solar Panel Pricing
The average electric bill for an energy consumer in Shelby County is 155.79 and the average number of kWh used each month per household is 1,228. This datainclude apartments and other smaller residences with lower energy consumption.
Shelby County, KY's electricity rate is 12.68¢ per kWh in November 2024.
Currently, an 11 kW solar system is priced at around $0 upfront, but the federal tax credit offers a 30% credit, the cost lowers to $0.
Go Solar for less than your cell phone bill.
Average solar panel costs by system size in Shelby County
On the left side below, the price breakdown for multiple sizes of the solar panel systems set up in Shelby County is displayed. The initial cost for bigger solar systems is higher, but they also yield greater electricity savings and higher income tax credits.
Check the solar panel cost calculator below and to the right to see the cost and benefit details based on an average $155.79 electric bill in Shelby County. If you seek more customized results, just adjust the $155.79 to what your typical electricity bill is.
System Size
Roof Size Min. space required
Electricity Value Annual Production
Est. Price
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 9.05 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 416 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 22,412 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 10.35 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 475 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 25,614 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 11.64 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 535 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 28,816 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 $156
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 12.77 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 587 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 31,608 mi less a year
System Size 11kW
Roof Size Min. space required
787 ft²
Electricity Value Annual Production $2,086 a year
Est. Price
$0
Savings from a 11kWthis system
Est. yearly production 16,045 kWh
Est. monthly savings $156
Full payback in 0 years
Environmental Impacts
Reduces CO2 emissions by 12.77 tons a year
Equivalent to planting 587 trees a year
Equivalent to driving 31,608 mi less a year
Shelby County Solar Panel Installation Incentives & Rebates | 2024
For rural small businesses and agricultural enterprises, the REAP Grant could provide funding that covers between 80% and 100% of the necessary expenses for installing renewable energy systems. Curious about your eligibility? Use our REAP Grant eligibility tool to check.
A 30% federal tax credit is offered to most homeowners for residential solar installations, which renders solar energy a feasible choice in various regions in the United States. In addition to the federal incentives, state and local programs also seek to boost solar energy uptake.
A number of utilities and governmental bodies in Kentucky provide 6 solar rebate and incentive programs.
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 Shelby County, KY?
If your intention is to stay in your home beyond the solar payback period, investing in solar panels is a good option in Shelby County. By installing a 5 kW solar system in Shelby County, KY, you can expect to save approximately $37,389.6 over 20 years, with the break even point typically being 0 years.
The cost of not having solar panels in Shelby County, KY
The absence of solar panels or an alternative energy backup means that you forgo the savings noted earlier and are wholly reliant on your electric utility for electricity. The news has recently pointed out that full reliance on your utility is not always ideal.
The utilities in Shelby County have averaged about 1.21 outages per customer per year in recent years. The average length of an outage is 155.52 minutes. However, during significant events such as thunderstorms, wildlife damage, or aging infrastructure, this duration can grow considerably.
Take a look at the component below to see the number of current electricity customers without power in Shelby County.
Installing a solar panel system, irrespective of whether it has a backup battery, could reduce the pressure of future outages you might experience.
Power Outages
Currently, 0 customers are being tracked in Shelby County.
What impacts the cost of solar panels in Shelby County, KY?
Your Energy Needs - While the upfront cost is higher, the price per watt declines with larger solar panel systems. Numerous people find it useful to set up a solar energy system that can replace their entire electric bill. This leads to maximum savings.
Make & Model - Like many other products, there are various makes and models of solar panels available. The installer you select may have specific system preferences, so it's crucial to pick a reputable contractor. Buyers who choose better equipment typically enjoy a better long-term experience.
Solar Panel Type - There's a good reason why monocrystalline panels are now the industry standard. These panels are more costly, yet they generate more energy. The majority of installers usually utilize panels crafted of this material.
Your Property - Every property and home is distinct. Trees, uneven ground, or additional challenges can make the installation more difficult. Many solar installers now are able to utilize satellite imagery to assess your home and factor in these elements in the first cost estimate.
Labor Rates - The wages that companies pay their employees are different, and these expenses are ultimately passed on in consumer prices. It is frequent for businesses that offer higher wages to get better reviews for their services and customer service.
Permitting & Interconnection - Your installation cost will be impacted by area-specific permitting and utility interconnection fees. Reliable installers will factor these costs into your preliminary quotes to prevent unexpected expenses.
See what solar panels cost in other Shelby County cities
Solar systems for selling electricity back to the grid.
Consulting on all things solar related.
Shelby County, KY Solar Panel Cost FAQs
As recorded in November, 2024, the standard cost for solar panel installations in Shelby County, KY is $0/W. Installing a 5 kW solar panel system in Shelby County, KY will cost approximately $0 after applying the federal tax credit.
Residents of Kentucky can currently take advantage of 6 rebates and incentives offered by various utilities and government bodies. Moreover, the 30% federal tax credit is accessible to nearly everyone.
Although cash payments provide the greatest savings, many financing options for solar panels now exist that are also cost-effective. Installers will often include details on financing partners in the quotes they provide initially.
Yes, the payback period for 5 kW solar energy systems in Shelby County, KY averages 0 years, with electricity savings of about $37,389.6 over 20 years.
Savings from 
Environmental Impacts 
