Solar in Kentucky
Kentuckians are embracing residential solar like never before.
Solar energy is getting more and more popular in the state of Kentucky. According to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), solar in Kentucky as of 2021:
- Solar installed: 61.2 MW
- Number of Installations: 2,770
- Enough solar installed to power: 6,241 homes
- Solar jobs: 1,249
- Solar companies in the state: 41
- Total solar investment in the state: $116 million
- Prices have fallen: 43% over the last 5 years
- Growth projections and ranking: Over the next 5 years, another 815 MW of solar energy will be installed, bringing the state from its current ranking of 47th down to 33rd
Does solar work in Kentucky?
As anyone living in Kentucky knows, the weather varies pretty considerably throughout the days, weeks, months, and years. This makes many homeowners a bit apprehensive as to if solar will work for their homes. However, even with highly variable weather, solar energy works for all due largely to net metering! Here’s how it works: during the day when the sun is shining, solar arrays in Indiana capture energy from the sun and convert it to the energy that the building can use. It is likely that at this time, arrays will generate more energy than is needed. For buildings that are net-metered, the electricity meter will run backward to provide a credit for times when there is bad weather, during the nighttime, or any time when the electricity used exceeds what the system is producing. This means that even during bad weather or nighttime, your solar array and utility company have got you covered. The use of battery storage has also rapidly gained popularity throughout the United States. Battery storage works by storing the excess energy that the solar array generates during peak production hours. During nighttime or when the weather is poor, the array will simply pull energy from the battery to power the building. With a battery storage system, homeowners can gain energy independence by removing their reliance on their utility company and the grid, which is highly unreliable. It also gives homeowners peace of mind knowing that no matter what inclement weather may come their way, they will have energy created by their solar panels stored away for use, while those without solar are vulnerable to climatic episodes that could cause the grid to be inoperable. With net metering and battery storage, solar is a huge asset to homeowners in Kentucky.
Benefits of owning solar in Kentucky
Enhances home value: In addition to drastically lowering or removing your electric bill, adopting a solar PV system increases the value of your home. This is true due to solar increasing the resale value of your home and while also reducing the amount of time it takes to sell your home.
Affordability: As previously mentioned, solar prices are the lowest they have ever been, as they have decreased by 43% over the last 5 years. Reports have found that local solar truly costs less for all. This is also reflected in the wide variety of solar owners, including many low-to-moderate income households. With technologies that are constantly improving and considerable tax benefits, solar energy has never been more affordable in Indiana.
Federal tax benefits: Towards the end of 2020, Congress passed an extension of the federal investment tax credit (ITC). The ITC provides a 26% tax credit for solar systems installed before 2022. This rate will decrease to 22% in 2023, echoing again that the time for solar is now!
Solar Is Freedom®
In just a few short years, Solar Is Freedom® has become one of the best solar installers in the states of Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. We have grown exponentially, with offices in Cincinnati, OH, Columbus, OH, and Louisville, KY. Our company also has a 5-star rating with hundreds of satisfied customers who continually refer their friends and family members to us. If interested in discussing the potential of solar for your home, contact us today for a free, no commitment, consultation.
Resources for solar in Kentucky:
Solar Energy Incentives in Kentucky
State Energy Profile from the US Energy Information Administration for Kentucky
