Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Expert Advice On Improving Your Home
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Written By David Cusick
Last Updated April 2024
A solar panel array could give you a renewable power source that will eventually pay for itself. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to select a trustworthy solar installer. That’s why we’ve researched the options and compiled a guide to the most dependable solar installation companies in Somerset. These top companies consistently deliver high-quality and dependable services.
Informative resources
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Family-operated business
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Going solar can be a great way to lower electricity costs and help the environment by reducing your carbon footprint using renewable energy. Here are some crucial factors to consider when evaluating if a solar installer is trustworthy.
Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done correctly using current best installation practices. Residential solar energy contractors in Kentucky don't have to be licensed electricians or plumbers. However, a plumber or electrician licensed by the Commonwealth must be the one to retain building permits and connect the system to meters and utility grids.
Look at review platforms such as the Better Business Bureau (BBB), Google Reviews, and TrustPilot to find out what previous customers have to say about local solar providers. Reviews can give you an idea of a company’s dependability and customer service. Avoid companies with no reviews or with predominantly negative feedback.
To find a solar company that works with your budget, get free, detailed quotes from at least three providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the most cost-effective option.
Quality solar installations should have comprehensive workmanship and performance warranties. The workmanship guarantee covers any installation issues such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. The performance guarantee promises a specific energy output level. Strong warranties indicate that a solar installer trusts its installations.
Solar power can help decrease your electricity costs long-term. When considering solar panel's cost and value, be sure to consider these considerations.
Solar panel costs vary based on system capacity and the technology being used. The average solar system in Somerset has a capacity of 9.6 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area can expect to pay approximately $3,650 per kilowatt; the average Somerset homeowners spends about $24,423 on a new solar system after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to lower upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar company will account for things like the panel type, size, and capacity of the planned system, and should include costs for labor, permit fees, and preliminary work.
Incentive Amount:
Button Up (weatherization): Varies, contact energy advisor for details
Touchstone Energy Home: Varies, contact energy advisor for details
Resistant Heat to Heat Pump: $250-$750
Energy Audits: FREE
SimpleSaver: up to $20 in bill credits annually for each air conditioner enrolled
A solar photovoltaic (PV) system can generate power to run any electric appliance or system in your home. If you don't want to use solar power for your entire home, you can install a solar water heating system.
With home solar energy, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your property's emissions, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
It depends on your home's location and the kind of panels you plan to use. Since there's a moderate amount of snowfall in Somerset, your best time to install solar panels is in the spring and fall.
Yes, it's possible to use home solar energy alongside conventional power sources. In many areas, solar panels are designed to supplement your existing energy sources, meaning that you can reap the savings and environmental benefits that come from using solar energy without having to completely switch over.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how short it takes to get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Somerset, meaning your payback period could last 15.3 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
The maintenance you'll need to do will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel once a quarter. Your solar installer might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance for you.
Net metering is a type of "power purchase agreement." If your utility or state offers net metering, you can send the solar energy you don't use to the grid. In return, they'll give you a credit on your power bill.
With respect to taxes, the federal government offers a tax credit of up to 30% of the panels' cost. Depending on where you live, you could also claim or apply for state or property tax incentives. Regarding insurance, your monthly premium may be slightly higher because solar panels increase your property's value. You should speak with your accountant or insurance agent for information specific to your case.
