Frankfort, KY Solar Panels
Solar Power in Frankfort
Frankfort homeowners are discovering that solar panels for home use offer a practical way to manage rising energy costs. With Kentucky electricity prices increasing 19% from 2020 to 2024, more residents are exploring clean energy options that can help lower monthly bills.
This guide walks you through solar installation in Frankfort—from understanding local incentives and Kentucky’s climate advantages to choosing the right system that fits your home’s unique needs.
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Frankfort, KY?
Our calculator uses real installation data from Frankfort neighborhoods including Bellepoint, Capital Heights, and Bridgeport to show you accurate solar costs. See what homeowners across the capital region actually paid for their systems, based on firsthand local data.
System
Cost
Savings
You can still access the solar tax credit through Palmetto. Talk to us today to find out how.
Key Takeaways
- Frankfort receives 4.7 peak sun hours daily providing consistent solar production year-round despite Kentucky’s four distinct seasons.
- A typical 6.38 kW system costs $20,340 and can save Frankfort homeowners approximately $34,000 over 25 years.
- Kentucky electricity rates increased 13% since 2021 making solar’s fixed energy costs increasingly valuable for long-term savings.
Frankfort Electricity Prices
Understanding your electricity costs is essential when considering energy options for your Frankfort home. Let’s look at how rates have changed recently.
Kentucky electricity rates have climbed from 11.5 cents per kWh in 2021 to 13.0 cents in 2024—a 13% increase in just three years. While still below the national average, these rising costs add up over time.
Solar panels generate electricity at a fixed cost, helping homeowners avoid future rate increases. Once installed, your system produces power at the same cost for decades, creating predictable energy expenses for your household budget.
Over a typical 25-year system lifespan, solar can provide significant savings as utility rates continue their upward trend. The gap between your locked-in solar costs and rising grid prices grows wider each year.
Price of Energy: Kentucky vs National Average
Frankfort Area Utility Providers
Understanding your electricity costs helps you make informed energy decisions. In Frankfort, Kentucky Utilities serves most residents with rates at 12.0¢ per kWh in 2023—below both the state average of 12.70¢ and the national average of 16.0¢.
Kentucky Utilities maintains lower rates due to the state’s reliance on coal-fired generation and affordable regional energy sources. However, these rates have steadily increased over time as infrastructure costs and regulatory changes affect traditional energy production.
Even with below-average rates, Frankfort homeowners can benefit from predictable energy costs. Solar panels lock in electricity rates for decades, protecting against future utility increases while reducing dependence on the grid over time.
Frankfort Utilities Electricity Rates
Kentucky Solar Incentives
Kentucky residents can access several solar incentives in Kentucky that help reduce installation costs and improve long-term savings on energy bills.
These programs include utility-specific incentives like Duke Energy’s PowerPair program, which offers up to $9,000 for solar and battery installations. Net metering programs from Kentucky Power and LG&E/KU also provide compensation for excess energy your system generates.
Incentive programs can change or reach capacity quickly, so understanding current offerings helps you make informed decisions about solar installation timing and system design.
| Incentive | Type | Description | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Duke Energy: PowerPair Solar + Battery Incentive | Utility program | New pilot for Duke Energy Customers offering $3,600 for solar plus $5,400 for battery storage. Combined maximum $9,000. | Learn More |
Duke Energy’s PowerPair program offers Kentucky homeowners a one-time incentive of up to $9,000 to help cover the cost of installing a solar panel system paired with battery storage. This pilot program is designed to make home solar plus battery systems more affordable while helping Duke Energy manage the electric grid more effectively. The exact incentive amount depends on the type of solar array and battery system you install.
To participate, you must use a Duke Energy Trade Ally installer (an approved solar and battery installer), and not all equipment qualifies for the program. Homeowners have two enrollment options: the Residential Solar Choice rider (RSC) or the Net Metering Bridge rider (NMB). If you choose the NMB option, you’ll be required to enroll in Duke Energy’s Power Manager or EnergyWise Home Battery Control program, which provides additional monthly bill credits. Through these programs, Duke Energy can temporarily access your battery’s stored electricity to support the grid during peak demand times (30-36 times per year), though you can opt out of up to four events annually.
The application process uses a random selection system to ensure fair access to the program. The initial application window opened on May 10 and ran for four weeks. You’ll need to check Duke Energy’s PowerPair website for information about future enrollment periods, approved battery vendors, and equipment eligibility requirements. Keep in mind this is a pilot program with limited capacity, so early application during open enrollment windows is important.
I apologize, but I’m unable to create a detailed description for the Kentucky Power Net Metering program at this time. The information provided from the official source appears to be empty or incomplete, which means I don’t have the specific details needed to accurately explain how this net metering program works, what financial benefits it offers, or what eligibility requirements apply.
Net metering programs typically allow homeowners with solar panels to receive credit for excess electricity they send back to the grid, but the specific terms, credit rates, and program rules vary significantly by utility company. To get accurate information about Kentucky Power’s net metering program, I recommend contacting Kentucky Power directly or visiting their official website for current program details, including how credits are calculated, any system size limitations, and enrollment requirements.
Unfortunately, no specific program details were provided for the Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) and Kentucky Utilities (KU) Net Metering program. Net metering is a billing arrangement that allows homeowners with solar panels to receive credit for excess electricity they generate and send back to the grid. When your solar system produces more energy than your home uses, the surplus flows to the utility grid, and your electric meter runs backward, crediting your account.
To learn about the specific rates, credit values, eligibility requirements, and program terms for LG&E and KU’s net metering program, we recommend contacting your utility directly or visiting their official website. Net metering policies can vary significantly between utilities, including how credits are calculated, whether they roll over month-to-month, and what happens to excess credits at the end of the year. Understanding these details will help you accurately estimate the financial benefits of installing solar panels on your home.
Ready to start saving with solar?
Speak with a Palmetto solar expert to find out exactly how much you can save with Kentucky incentives.
Get a Free QuoteFrankfort Solar Irradiance
Solar panel production varies throughout the year based on daylight hours, weather patterns, and sun intensity. Understanding how seasons affect your solar system helps set realistic expectations for your investment.
Frankfort experiences four distinct seasons with moderate sunshine year-round. While winters bring shorter days, Kentucky’s solar potential remains strong with proper system design and placement.
Solar Production in Frankfort by Month
What Can Your Solar System Power?
Summer Production (July)
In July, your 10 kW system could power:
- 3.6 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Run central AC for 18 hours AND power all other appliances
- or Fully charge 5.4 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Winter Production (December)
In December, your 10 kW system could power:
- 2 average homes (15 kWh/day per home)
- or Keep your home heating system running for 15 hours
- or Fully charge 3 Tesla Model 3 electric vehicles
Annual Production
Over a year, your 10 kW system could:
- Offset 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions
- or Equal the environmental benefit of planting 175 trees
- or Save approximately $4,234 in electricity costs
Want to know exactly how much solar can power your home?
Get a personalized solar analysis based on your actual home, energy usage, and roof characteristics.
Get My Custom EstimateSolar Panel Systems in Frankfort
We’ve mapped every solar installation across the United States to help you explore clean energy adoption in your area. Click any hexagon to discover how many Frankfort neighbors and communities have already made the switch to solar power.
Leasing Solar Panels
Currently, Palmetto does not offer solar leasing or Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) options in Frankfort, KY. However, we provide flexible financing solutions that make solar accessible without requiring full upfront payment.
When you purchase your solar system, you own the equipment and benefit from any available incentives and long-term savings. Unlike leasing arrangements where a third party owns your system, ownership means you control your energy production and enjoy the full financial benefits of your investment.
Interested in exploring your options? Our LightReach program offers an alternative path to solar that minimizes upfront costs while still providing immediate energy savings. Connect with our team to find the right solution for your home.
Go solar without the investment
With LightReach, there are no investment costs to recoup, loan payments to manage, or maintenance needs to take on. As soon as your panels are active, your solar savings are too!
Learn MoreFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, solar makes sense in Frankfort. With 4.7 peak sun hours daily and Kentucky electricity rates increasing 13% since 2021, solar provides consistent energy production and protection from rising utility costs.
A typical 6.38 kW system costs around $20,340 and can save approximately $34,000 over 25 years. While Kentucky offers fewer state incentives than some regions, net metering programs from utilities like Kentucky Utilities help maximize your investment by crediting excess energy production.
Net metering availability in Frankfort depends on your utility provider. Kentucky Utilities (KU) and Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) offer net metering programs that credit customers for excess solar energy sent back to the grid.
These programs help maximize your solar investment by ensuring surplus electricity production isn’t wasted. Contact your specific utility provider to confirm current net metering policies, credit rates, and enrollment requirements for your Frankfort home.
Yes, solar panels typically increase home value in Frankfort. Research from Zillow shows that homes with solar panels sell for approximately 4.1% more than comparable homes without solar systems.
For a median-priced Frankfort home, this could translate to several thousand dollars in added value. Buyers often view solar as a valuable feature since it provides predictable energy costs and protection from rising utility rates over time.
Solar panel costs in Frankfort vary by home size. A typical medium home (2,000-3,000 sq ft) needs a 6.38 kW system costing approximately $20,340, or $3.19 per watt.
Small homes (under 2,000 sq ft) average $16,744 for a 5.10 kW system, while large homes (over 3,000 sq ft) cost around $28,075 for a 9.13 kW system. These prices reflect actual Palmetto installations in Kentucky.
Yes, solar is financially worth it for most Frankfort homeowners. A typical 6.38 kW system costs $20,340 and can save approximately $34,000 over 25 years—about $78 monthly in reduced electricity bills.
With Kentucky electricity rates increasing 13% since 2021, solar panels lock in predictable energy costs for decades. The payback period averages 16.8 years, meaning you’ll enjoy nearly a decade of free electricity after breaking even.
At Palmetto, we’re a national solar company with deep local expertise in Frankfort. We offer competitive financing options and work with trusted installation partners to deliver quality solar systems tailored to Kentucky homes.
Our team handles everything from design to permitting to activation, making the process straightforward. With over 20,000 customers nationwide and an 85%+ approval rating, we’re committed to helping Frankfort residents transition to clean energy with confidence.