Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Somerset, Kentucky. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading regional solar installer known for high-quality custom designs and excellent customer service. They handle the entire process from initial consultation and system design to installation, permitting, and maintenance. They are well-versed in both grid-tied and battery backup solutions.
As one of Kentucky's largest and most established solar companies, they offer a turnkey solution for homeowners. They have extensive experience with local utility interconnection (like South Kentucky RECC) and are experts in navigating state and federal incentives.
A highly-rated, customer-focused installer based in Southern Kentucky. They specialize in making the solar process simple and affordable for homeowners, offering a range of financing options and emphasizing personal service and local expertise.
** The home solar market in Somerset, Kentucky, is **moderately competitive and of high quality**, dominated by established regional players rather than national corporations. This often translates to more personalized service and local expertise, particularly with utilities like South Kentucky RECC. The average quality of installers serving this area is high, with companies typically holding key certifications like NABCEP (North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners). **Competition Level:** Moderate. Homeowners have several excellent options but not an overwhelming number, allowing for quality comparisons. **Typical Pricing:** As a general benchmark, the average cost for a residential solar system in Kentucky before incentives ranges from **$2.50 to $3.50 per watt**. A typical 10 kW system would therefore have a gross cost between $25,000 and $35,000. The net cost is significantly reduced by the **26% federal solar tax credit** and Kentucky's exemption of solar installations from property tax increases. All top providers are well-versed in these financial incentives and offer various financing options, including loans and leases, to improve affordability.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Somerset regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Somerset, Kentucky.
For a typical 6-8 kW system in Somerset, the gross cost before incentives ranges from $18,000 to $28,000. The key financial benefit is the 30% federal solar tax credit, which directly reduces your federal income 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 your system, and net metering is available through your local utility, like South Kentucky RECC or Somerset Utility Commission, to further offset costs.
Somerset's climate offers a good balance for solar, with ample sunny days and surprisingly efficient production even on cloudy days. Summers provide long, sunny days for peak production, while winter months see reduced output due to shorter days and potential snow cover, which is typically light and melts quickly. Annually, you can expect a system to produce electricity consistently, with seasonal variations managed through net metering credits built up in sunnier months.
Installing solar in Somerset requires a building permit from the Pulaski County Building Inspection Department, and your installer will typically handle this process. Your system must comply with the Kentucky Building Code and the National Electrical Code (NEC). Crucially, you must receive interconnection approval from your local utility (e.g., South Kentucky RECC) before operating, which involves a specific application and inspection of your system to ensure it meets their grid safety standards.
Prioritize installers who are licensed, insured, and have strong local experience in Pulaski County. Ask for references from recent Somerset installations and verify they are certified by a recognized body like the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). It's essential to choose a company familiar with the interconnection requirements of our local utilities and the specific permitting process of Pulaski County to ensure a smooth project.
Standard grid-tied systems automatically shut off during a power outage for safety, unless paired with a dedicated battery backup. For storm resilience, modern solar panels are rigorously tested to withstand Kentucky's severe weather, including hail up to 1 inch in diameter at 50+ mph and wind loads exceeding 140 mph. A reputable local installer will ensure your mounting system is engineered and permitted to meet or exceed these local building code requirements for wind resistance.