Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
Editorial note: Homefront (defined in the Disclosure below) may earn a commission from affiliate partner links featured on our site. This commission does not influence our editors' opinions or evaluations
Read MoreJoin more than 1,246 people who have received a quote in the last 30 days.
Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
To perform a high-quality solar panel installation in Nicholasville, Kentucky, you'll need to find a properly certified, qualified and experienced solar installer. We've compiled a list of the best solar companies in Nicholasville to help you select the right one.
Before choosing an installer, request referrals, vet potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the right company for your needs. You can choose a local solar company in Nicholasville or pick an established national brand.
Although solar panels are a big upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long term. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that switching to solar energy lets Nicholasville homeowners to save around $1,500 per year.
Many solar companies provide different services. Be sure to compare each company and get quotes from all before arranging your solar panel installation.
Look for Nicholasville solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars in customer ratings on Google Reviews and other review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look at past customer reviews to get insight into other homeowners' thoughts about the company. Watch for repeated negative feedback as a potential warning sign.
Regions with variable sunshine, including those with extra rain or clouds like Nicholasville, can still make use of solar energy. A few key motivations to transition to solar energy include these:
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national average price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of installing solar panels differs based on several factors, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof direction, shading, system size and labor. Be ready to pay extra if you pick any add-ons like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
According to data from the EIA, NASA and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), installing solar panels in Nicholasville typically costs $24,658.
While solar panel installation might be a sizable initial cost, you stand to see substantial savings on your electricity costs over time.
In Nicholasville, you can anticipate saving money after going completely to solar. However, it takes time to recover the initial investment, and factors such as rain and tree coverage impact how long it takes to see a return on your solar investment.
Not only does adopting solar save you money, but it also shrinks your carbon footprint and its impact on the environment. Below are projected CO2 emission reductions you can expect from going solar, according to our calculations based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Nicholasville homeowners can benefit from various solar incentives. Particular programs are provided statewide to all Kentucky residents, and others vary based on utility company, municipality and city.
The following solar incentives are accessible to Kentucky residents, as listed in DSIRE:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Rebate Program Inter-County Energy Efficiency Program | Heat Pump Retrofit: $250-$750 Button-Up Weatherization Program: up to $750 SimpleSaver Program: $20 credit for installed air conditioner switches plus $25 sign-on bonus CARES Program: Up to $2,000 |
Loan Program Inter-County Energy Efficiency Loan Program | $15,000 |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
Take time to reflect on these questions prior to hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
Your solar panel system's size is contingent upon your home's energy consumption and the system's production capacity. Larger homes use more electricity and might require bigger solar setups. An undersized system might not manage to fully energize your house.
Specific permits and state or local requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the required permits through your local building department and arrange an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Tree coverage, rainfall and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require extra panels with a higher wattage.
To store additional energy, a lot of panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature is essential when sunlight is scarce and helps to prevent power loss. However, opting for battery storage can result in higher overall installation expenses.
You can select from several types of solar panels, each differing in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These factors not only affect the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up on your roof.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
Our guide explores the best solar companies available. Trinity and Elevation top our list for their services, and Sunrun rounds it out with its leasing options.
solarApr. 23
While you can save money installing DIY solar panels, it’s not a simple home improvement project and does require electrical know-how as well as roofing skills.
solarMar. 27
Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
solarMar. 25
Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
solarMar. 27