Is solar worth it in Kentucky?

With an average payback period of 14.1 years and 25-year savings of $23,350, solar panels in Kentucky can be worthwhile depending on your situation.

How much do solar panels cost in Kentucky?

The average cost of a 6kW residential solar system in Kentucky is $13,200 before incentives and tax credits.

How much can I save with solar panels in Kentucky?

Homeowners in Kentucky save an average of $934 per year with solar panels, totaling approximately $23,350 over 25 years.

Solar Panel ROI in Kentucky

Last updated April 14, 2026 · Source: NREL PVWatts

Is solar worth it in KY? Here's what the data says.

1.8x ROI Score

14.1 yrs Payback Period

$934/yr Annual Savings

$23,350 25-Year Savings

Your savings estimate

$ /mo bill

Annual savings $934

Payback 14.1 yrs

25-yr savings $23,350

25-Year ROI Timeline

With a 14.1-year payback, your system spends 10.9 years in profit after breaking even.

Payback (14.1 yrs)

Profit (10.9 yrs)

Year 0 Year 6 Year 13 Year 19 Year 25

System Cost $13,200

25-Year Savings $23,350

Net Profit $10,150

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Solar Calculator for Kentucky

Adjust the values below to see your personalized solar ROI estimate.

System Size

System Cost

Electricity Rate

$ /kWh

Solar Irradiance

4.72 kWh/m²/day

Based on NREL data for Kentucky

ROI Score 1.8x

Annual Production 7,913 kWh

Annual Savings $934

Payback Period 14.1 years

25-Year Savings $23,350

System Cost $13,200

Kentucky vs National Average

Solar Irradiance 4.72 kWh/m²/day

-8% vs national avg

Payback Period 14.1 years Slower than avg

Electricity Rate $0.118 /kWh Below avg

How We Calculated This

Our solar ROI calculations use data from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) PVWatts API, which models solar energy production based on location-specific solar irradiance, weather patterns, and panel tilt angles. We assume a standard 6kW residential system with south-facing panels at optimal tilt.

Electricity rates are sourced from the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). Annual savings are calculated by multiplying estimated production by the local electricity rate. The ROI score represents total 25-year savings divided by system cost.

These estimates do not include the federal 30% ITC tax credit, state incentives, SRECs, or utility rebates, which can significantly reduce the effective payback period.

Solar ROI by Zip Code in Kentucky

Explore solar data for specific zip codes in Kentucky. Click any zip code for a full local breakdown.

40201 Louisville 1.8x 13.6yr 40211 Louisville 1.8x 13.6yr 40214 Louisville 1.8x 13.6yr 40215 Louisville 1.8x 13.6yr 40505 Lexington 1.8x 13.6yr 40517 Lexington 1.8x 13.6yr View all zip codes →

Compare with Nearby States

Indiana 1.9x

12.8 yr payback · $1,090/yr

Ohio 2.0x

12.4 yr payback · $1,115/yr

West Virginia 1.7x

14.9 yr payback · $914/yr

Virginia 1.9x

13.5 yr payback · $1,054/yr

Tennessee 1.8x

14.2 yr payback · $945/yr

Illinois 2.2x

11.6 yr payback · $1,227/yr

Solar Outlook for Kentucky

Kentucky receives 4.72 kWh/m²/day — 4.8% below the national average. Lower electricity rates of $0.118/kWh extend the payback to 14.1 years, though the federal 30% ITC and state incentives can meaningfully improve the economics.

Solar Equipment Worth Considering

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