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Josephine NesbitHome improvement writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Jun 22, 2024
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We've ranked the top 6 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Independence. We base our ranking off average customer ratings weighted against the number of reviews. For more information, check out our full methodology.
High-quality solar panel installation in Independence, Kentucky requires you to hire a solar installer with the right certification, expertise and experience. We've compiled a list of the highest-rated solar companies in Independence to help you hire the right installer.
Before hiring an installer, ask others for recommendations, screen potential installers and get multiple quotes to find the ideal company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Independence or pick an established national brand.
While solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can cut your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that transitioning to solar energy allows Independence homeowners to save around $1,500 per year.
The offerings from different solar technicians aren't all the same. Be sure to compare companies and get quotes before you schedule your solar panel installation.
Look for Independence solar companies with a minimum of 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and similar customer review platforms. The company should also have a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
Reviewing previous customer reviews will give you a sense of how other homeowners viewed the company, so be cautious if you see a pattern of negative reviews.
Even areas with variable sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as Independence, can still see the benefits of solar panels. Major reasons to switch to solar are:
Our survey from October 2023 found that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The cost of solar panel installation is influenced by your labor costs, system size, sunlight availability, shading, area and roof orientation. Selecting bonus features such as animal guards, batteries or solar trackers will increase the overall cost.
In Independence, solar panel installation costs around $24,758, according to data from NASA, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the EIA.
Putting in solar panels calls for considerable spending upfront, but you can make those costs back through significant reductions in your energy bills down the road.
After moving completely to solar power, Independence homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade affect the timeline for seeing returns on your solar investment.
In addition to monetary savings, switching to solar energy reduces your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated CO2 emission reductions you can achieve by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
Multiple solar incentives are offered to Independence homeowners. Certain programs are open to all Kentucky residents, while others differ by city, utility company and municipality.
Per the DSIRE, here are the solar incentives offered to Kentucky residents:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Rebate Program Duke Energy - Residential Efficiency Rebate Program | Heat Pump Water Heaters: $350/unit Central Air Conditioning or Heat Pump: up to $400/unit Geothermal Heat Pump: $400/unit Variable Speed Pool Pumps: $300/unit Attic Insulation and Attic Air Sealing: $250/unit Duct Sealing: $100/unit Duct Insulation: $75/unit |
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. |
Consider these questions before hiring a professional solar panel installation company.
The right solar system size for you depends on how much energy your household uses, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't big enough, it may fail to generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Your solar plans may be impacted by specific permits and state or local regulations. You must get proper permits through your local building department and schedule an inspection.
Not all residences get the same amounts of sunlight. Area tree cover, rainfall levels and harsh weather can impact sunlight amounts. If your home doesn't get sufficient sun, it may require extra panels with higher wattage.
To store additional energy, many panel systems feature a solar battery. This feature becomes critical in cloudy conditions and helps to prevent power loss. However, opting for battery storage can result in higher overall installation expenses.
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each differing in life expectancy, design and efficiency. These factors not only affect the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and the amount of 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.
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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.
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Sleek and innovative, solar shingles are gaining rapid popularity. They cost more than traditional solar panels but are also more aesthetically pleasing.
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Solar panels last about 25 years, according to our expert. Our guide explains how to get the most out of your system’s life.
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