Solar in Kentucky
What a typical 8 kW rooftop system generates and saves in Kentucky, from NREL sun data and the local power rate. A planning estimate, not a quote.
Based on 1350 kWh per kW per year of sun in Kentucky, a 14.9¢ per kWh rate, and $3.00 per watt installed.
In Kentucky, the payback is reasonable. Kentucky has fair sun and a low-to-moderate rate, so solar is a middling case before incentives.
Want to try a different system size? The full estimator lets you change the kilowatts and switch states. Remember this uses a state average; your roof, your exact rate, net metering, and any incentives will shift the numbers, so get two or three local quotes.
Kentucky solar questions
Is solar worth it in Kentucky?
Kentucky has fair sun and a low-to-moderate rate, so solar is a middling case before incentives. A typical 8 kW system in Kentucky generates about 10,800 kWh a year and saves roughly $1,609, paying back in about 14.9 years against an install cost near $24,000.
How much do solar panels cost in Kentucky?
At about $3.00 per watt installed (2.50 to 3.50 is the typical US range), a 8 kW system runs around $24,000 before the 30 percent federal tax credit or any state and utility programs.
How much sun does Kentucky get for solar?
NREL PVWatts puts Kentucky's photovoltaic output near 1350 kWh per kW of panels per year (Louisville). That is the figure behind the generation estimate; your roof's tilt and shading move it up or down.
Sources
Sun from NREL PVWatts, rate from the US Energy Information Administration, cost from 2026 US cost benchmarks. Last reviewed 2026-06-30. This is a planning estimate, not a quote. It uses a state-level representative figure for sun and electricity price; your roof, shading, tilt, exact utility rate, net-metering rules, financing, and incentives will change the result. The payback shown is before incentives; the 30 percent federal solar tax credit and any state or utility programs shorten it. Run PVWatts for your address and get two or three local quotes before deciding. Figures last reviewed on the verified date.
Other states: Hawaii, California, Maryland, Rhode Island. Or see the full estimator.