Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bowling Green, KY (2024 Update)
- Bowling Green Solar Installation Cost: $23,883
- 25-Year Savings: $10,898
- Payback Period: 22.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bowling Green
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Bowling Green.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bowling Green, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 9.3-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Bowling Green, the average price of going solar will be about $23,883 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Bowling Green depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Bowling Green homeowner can save around $11,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Bowling Green for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Bowling Green
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-22,979 |
| 3 years | $-21,172 |
| 5 years | $-19,366 |
| 7 years | $-17,559 |
| 9 years | $-15,752 |
| 11 years | $-13,945 |
| 13 years | $-12,138 |
| 15 years | $-10,331 |
| 17 years | $-8,525 |
| 19 years | $-6,718 |
| 21 years | $-4,911 |
| 23 years | $-3,104 |
| 25 years | $-1,297 |
Top Solar Installers in Bowling Green
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and expertise. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a professional solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Bowling Green
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bowling Green
For many Bowling Green homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bowling Green, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Bowling Green, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular option because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining how much you pay. Bowling Green’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $880 | 23.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $1,582 | 23.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $2,488 | 22.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $3,599 | 22.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $4,915 | 21.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $6,434 | 21.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $8,158 | 21.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $10,087 | 20.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Bowling Green, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Contract: Review the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Bowling Green, KY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bowling Green?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
Our goal is to reach as many people as we can with sensible solutions like solar energy. Our team of full-time local researchers collects solar price and installation data for every city in America then compiles it to create these digestible city guides. If you want to read our solar expert's opinion on the top solar companies featured here, follow this link.
Company research was conducted by Melissa Smith and Karsten Neumeister. Local data analysis was conducted by James Savino. See something we missed or could do better? Email the editor.