Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Irvine, Kentucky. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A well-regarded, employee-owned company based in Lexington that specializes in custom residential and commercial solar installations. They are known for their high-quality design, customer education, and use of top-tier equipment. They serve a wide area of Central Kentucky, including Irvine.
As one of the largest and most experienced solar installers in the state, Solar Energy Solutions has a strong track record across Kentucky. They offer comprehensive services from consultation and design to maintenance and repair, with deep expertise in both grid-tied and off-grid systems.
A national leader in residential solar and battery storage, Sunrun offers significant advantages through its scale, manufacturer partnerships, and flexible financing options, including popular leasing and PPA plans. They operate via a network of local certified partners to serve markets like Irvine.
** The home solar market in Irvine, Kentucky, is characteristic of a growing rural-to-suburban transition area. The market is not saturated with a high number of local competitors, which means residents typically rely on reputable regional companies from hubs like Lexington or national providers with local installation networks. The average quality of available service is high, as the companies that expand to serve this area are typically established, licensed, and insured professionals. **Competition Level:** Low-to-Moderate. While there are few, if any, storefront solar companies physically located in Irvine, competition to serve the area exists among the top regional and national firms. This can be beneficial for consumers, as they have access to experienced companies without the pressure of an overly aggressive sales environment. **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with national averages, typically ranging from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC). For an average 8 kW system, the gross cost would be approximately **$20,000 - $28,000**. The final cost is highly dependent on system size, equipment quality, roof complexity, and the chosen financing option. The knowledge of state-specific incentives and net metering policies (from Kentucky Power) is a key differentiator among the top providers.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Irvine regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Irvine, Kentucky.
For a typical 6kW system in Irvine, the gross cost before incentives is usually between $18,000 and $25,000. The key financial benefit is the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which directly reduces your federal tax liability. While Kentucky does not have a state-level solar tax credit, you benefit from a 100% property tax exemption on the added home value from solar panels, and net metering programs from utilities like Kentucky Power can provide bill credits for excess energy.
Irvine's climate, with four distinct seasons, is quite suitable for solar. Panels operate efficiently in cooler temperatures and will produce significant energy year-round. While winter months have shorter days and potential snow cover (which typically slides off tilted panels), the sunny summer months generate a surplus that, through net metering, can offset your usage during cloudier periods, leading to annual savings.
Prioritize installers with strong local experience in Estill County and across Kentucky. They will be familiar with specific permitting processes, interconnection requirements for Kentucky Power, and optimal designs for our regional weather. Always verify they are properly licensed, insured, and certified (e.g., by NABCEP), and insist on multiple detailed quotes that outline equipment warranties, production estimates, and full project scope.
Yes, you will need a building permit from the Estill County Building Inspector's office. Your chosen installer will typically manage this process. Crucially, you must also receive approval to interconnect your system from your utility company (e.g., Kentucky Power). A reputable local installer will handle all this paperwork, ensuring your system meets all Kentucky electrical codes and utility requirements.
Yes, savings are still very achievable. While Kentucky's rates are lower than the national average, they have been steadily rising. Solar locks in a portion of your energy at a fixed cost, protecting you from future rate increases. The combination of the 30% federal tax credit, property tax exemption, and net metering makes the long-term cost of solar electricity highly competitive with utility rates over the system's 25+ year lifespan.