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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 3 solar companies that operate within 50 miles of Lexington-Fayette. 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 Lexington-Fayette, Kentucky requires you to hire a solar installer with the right certification, expertise and experience. We've assembled a list of the highest-rated solar companies in Lexington-Fayette to help you choose the right installer.
Before selecting an installer, ask others for recommendations, screen potential installers and request multiple quotes to find the best company for your requirements. You can choose a local solar company in Lexington-Fayette or decide on an established national brand.
Although solar panels need a large initial investment, you can cut your energy expenses in the long run by making the transition. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), switching to solar energy allows Lexington-Fayette homeowners to save a yearly average of about $1,600.
Solar companies do not all have the same services and products. You should look at different companies and ask for quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Look for Lexington-Fayette solar companies with at least 3.5 out of 5 stars on Google Reviews and comparable customer review platforms. The company should also have a high rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB).
You should look at past customer reviews to gain insight into other homeowners' experiences with the company. Watch for repeated negative feedback as a potential red flag.
Even areas with fluctuating sun amounts, including rainier and cloudier places such as Lexington-Fayette, can still see the benefits of solar panels. Key reasons to switch to solar are:
Our survey from October 2023 showed that the national median price of solar panel installation is $11,743.
The price of solar panel installation varies based on several factors, such as where you live, sunlight exposure, roof alignment, shading, system size and labor. Expect to pay more if you choose add-ons like solar trackers, batteries or animal guards.
According to statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), NASA and the EIA the average expense to install solar panels in Lexington-Fayette is $24,717.
While solar panel installation can be a substantial initial cost, you are positioned to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
After transitioning fully to solar power, Lexington-Fayette homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recouping the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for realizing returns on your solar investment.
Adopting solar not only saves money but also decreases your carbon emissions and environmental footprint. Our calculations using NASA and EPA data show the estimated CO2 emission reductions attainable by going solar.
Experts Ready to Help
A variety of solar incentives are available to Lexington-Fayette homeowners. Various programs are offered to all Kentucky residents, whereas others differ by utility company, municipality and city.
Accessible solar incentives to Kentucky homeowners, as stated by DSIRE, include:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Rebate Program Clark Energy - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs | Heat Pump Retrofit: Up to $750 Air Sealing/Ceiling Insulation: Up to $750 SimpleSaver Program: $20/yr/air conditioner enrolled ENERGY STAR Manufactured Home: Varies, contact utility for more information CARES Program: Up to $2,000/household |
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. |
When selecting a solar installation expert, first review these important questions.
Your household's energy use and the solar system's production ratio dictate the appropriate panel system size for you. Larger residences tend to use more power and will potentially need larger solar installations. An undersized system could lead to inadequate energy generation to fully power your home.
Specific permits and state or local requirements could affect your solar project. You’ll need to secure the proper permits through your local building department and book an inspection.
Not all homes receive the same amount of sunlight. Surrounding trees, rainfall and severe weather conditions in your area can impact sunlight access. If your home doesn’t get enough sunlight, then you may require more panels with more wattage capacity.
A solar battery enables the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This becomes incredibly helpful when you're trying to prevent power loss in overcast weather conditions. Incorporating battery storage could raise the costs of setting up your system.
There are multiple solar panel types available, with differences in efficiency, life expectancy and design. These aspects impact not just the cost, but also how often panels will need to be replaced and roof space requirements.
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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