One of the lowest costs per watt for solar power is a bonus for people who value clean energy. However, it is still near the bottom when it comes to the number of solar installations. Due to the falling prices of solar panels, now is a good time to get started with solar power in Kentucky.
Solar panels for sale in Kentucky
Solar panels in Kentucky are reliable and cost-efficient energy generators for your home, business, RV or a boat. They work as long as there is daylight, aren’t afraid of winds, hail, snow or rain, and last for over 25 years.
The average size of a home PV installation in the US is 5-6 kW. A system of this capacity covers 80-100% energy needs of a medium house. Its cost may vary from $5,000 to $10,000, depending on the panels’ brand and incentives available. Since a solar system powers your appliances during the day, your energy bills reduce greatly. Overall, a PV installation brings in around $100 each month on average and thus pays for itself in 6-7 years.
Solar energy is a great solution for boondockers and sailors as well. Since panels work everywhere, don’t need fuel, don’t smell and are silent, they start to replace gas generators, which traditionally were used to charge house batteries. Sometimes even one panel is enough for everything you have on your boat or RV. Generally, panels go on a trailer roof, and when it comes to marine installation, modules are fixed on a stern rail, deck or canvas.
Aptos Solar 365W Solar Panel 120 cell DNA-120-MF26-365W
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Backsheet color — black
- Cell number — 120 cell
- Connector Type — MC4
- DC/Charger Volt Compatible — 12v, 24, 48v
- Dimensions LxWxH — 69.1 X 40.9 X 1.37 in
- Frame color — black
- Manufacturer — Aptos Solar
- Model — DNA-120-MF26-365W
- Operating Temperature — 111 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 20.01%
- Scope of application — Residential, Commercial, Boats and RV systems
- Use — Grid-Tie, Off-Grid
- Weight — 45.19 lbs
- Price per Watt — $0.8
- Rated Power Output — 365 W
- Voltage (VOC) — 40.7
- Cell Type — Monocrystalline
- Warranty — 25-year product warranty, 30-year output warranty
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
REC 400W Solar Panel 132 cell REC400AA-PURE
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Backsheet color — black
- Cell number — 132 cell
- Connector Type — MC4
- DC/Charger Volt Compatible — 12v, 24, 48v
- Dimensions LxWxH — 71.7 x 40 x 1.2 inches
- Frame color — black
- Manufacturer — REC
- Model — REC400AA-PURE
- Operating Temperatures — -40 °F to +185 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 21.6%
- Scope of application — Residential, Commercial, Boats and RV systems
- Use — Grid-Tie, Off-Grid
- Weight — 45 lbs
- Price per Watt — $1.2
- Rated Power Output — 400 W
- Voltage (VOC) — 48.8
- Cell Type — Monocrystalline
- Warranty — 25-year product and performance warranty
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
Panasonic 370W Solar Panel 120 cell EverVolt EVPV370
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Backsheet color — white
- Cell number — 120 cell
- Connector Type — MC4
- DC/Charger Volt Compatible — 12v, 24, 48v
- Dimensions LxWxH — 67.8 x 40.0 x 1.2 inches
- Frame color — black
- Manufacturer — Panasonic Eco Solutions
- Model — EVPV370
- Operating Temperatures — -40 °F to +185 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 21.2%
- Scope of application — Residential, Commercial, Boats and RV systems
- Use — Grid-Tie, Off-Grid
- Weight — 43 lbs
- Price per Watt — $1.2
- Rated Power Output — 370 W
- Voltage (VOC) — 44.1
- Cell Type — Monocrystalline
- Warranty — 25-year product and performance warranty
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
Solar inverters for sale in Kentucky
Inverter is another necessary component of a solar panel system. The panels by nature produce direct current which can’t be used by most house appliances. That’s why an inverter converts DC to AC and sends it either into the grid or to your appliances.
Another functions that inverter perform include:
- Interaction with the grid;
- Arc fault prevention and protection;
- Optimization of the solar array production;
- System monitoring.
Inverters can be grid-tied, off-grid or hybrid. While the names of the first two are self-explanatory, a hybrid inverter can be used both as a grid-tie or an off-grid one. In other words, you can pair it with a battery, and if a blackout happens, the inverter switches your house to battery support instead of shutting down.
Inverter is the most complicated part of a solar installation and it requires proper maintenance. For Kentucky residents, it is recommended to put an inverter in a cold dry place out of direct sunlight — the garage is the best option. To prolong its lifespan, wipe the dust off of it, clean air intake filters and check the screen for errors.
OutBack Inverter 50A GS8048A-01
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Input Voltage DC — 48
- Output Voltage AC — 120/240 VAC
- Solar panel compatibility — 60/120, 72/144 cell
- Type — Grid-tie, Hybrid
- Dimensions LxWxH — 28 x 16 x 8.7 inches
- Watts — 8000
- Manufacturer — OutBack Power Systems
- Model — GS8048A-01
- Operating Temperatures — -4 °F to +122 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 96%
- Weight — 125 lbs
- Warranty — 5 years
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
SMA Sunny Boy Inverter 5kw SB-5.0-1SP-US-41
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Input Voltage DC — 480
- Output Voltage AC — 240
- Solar panel compatibility — 60/120, 72/144 cell
- Type — Grid-tie
- Dimensions LxWxH — 21.1 x 28.5 x 7.8 inches
- Watts — 5000
- Manufacturer — SMA America LLC
- Model — SB-5.0-1SP-US-41
- Operating Temperatures — -40 °F to +140 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 97.6%
- Weight — 57 lbs
- Warranty — 10 years
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
SolarEdge Inverter 5Kw SE5000H-US
Specifications:
- Condition — New
- Input Voltage DC — 480
- Output Voltage AC — 240
- Solar panel compatibility — 60/120, 72/144 cell
- Type — Grid-tie
- Dimensions LxWxH — 17.7 x 14.6 x 6.8 inches
- Watts — 5000
- Manufacturer — SolarEdge
- Model — SE5000H-US000BNU4
- Operating Temperatures — -13 °F to +140 °F
- Rated Efficiencies — 99%
- Weight — 25.6 lbs
- Warranty — 12 years, extendable to 25 years
- Delivery Time — 5-7 business days across the US
Net-Metering Decisions
The Public Service Commission of Kentucky recently proposed changes to their net-movering tariff that would reduce the value of solar energy for customers.
The Kentucky Solar Energy Society and the Commonwealth of Kentucky joined forces to oppose the proposed changes. They argued for better solar net-metering values and a fair rate structure.
After receiving an intervention from the Kentucky Solar Energy Society, the Public Service Commission decided to put the proposed changes on hold until a qualified consultant can be hired.
The commission then recommended that the final ruling on the matter be made no later than May 14, 2021.
The group, which was against the proposed changes, claimed that their victory was due to the actions of the Public Service Commission. They noted that they did not conduct a cost of service study and provide an appropriate value for solar energy.
Renewable Portfolio Standard
The Renewable Portfolio Standard is a national standard that requires all states to increase their renewable energy resources in a specific time period.
If a state fails to meet the requirements, it could face penalties that are significantly higher than the cost of compliance.
Despite having a Division of Renewable Energy, Kentucky still doesn’t meet the requirements of the Renewable Portfolio Standard. As a result, the state’s solar programs are mainly based on the tax credits and net-metering.
It’s understandable that many people in the state are not excited about the potential of solar energy. They seem to be more focused on hydroelectric and biomass energy sources.
Despite the government’s efforts to promote solar energy, it has been criticized for not doing enough to encourage the installation of solar panels.