Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bowie, MD (2024 Update)
- Bowie Solar Installation Cost: $13,517
- 25-Year Savings: $10,888
- Payback Period: 15.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bowie
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bowie.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Bowie is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Bowie is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,517 for a solar installation, or $19,329 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Bowie can save around $15,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Bowie for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Bowie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,103 |
| 3 years | $-9,274 |
| 5 years | $-6,445 |
| 7 years | $-3,616 |
| 9 years | $-788 |
| 11 years | $2,041 |
| 13 years | $4,870 |
| 15 years | $7,698 |
| 17 years | $10,527 |
| 19 years | $13,356 |
| 21 years | $16,185 |
| 23 years | $19,013 |
| 25 years | $21,842 |
Top Solar Installers in Bowie
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra effort and knowledge. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Bowie:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Bowie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bowie
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Bowie: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,540.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bowie average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Bowie, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Bowie, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Bowie know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.68 | $15,463 | $8,148 | 16.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.61 | $20,220 | $11,260 | 16.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.54 | $24,780 | $14,571 | 15.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.47 | $29,141 | $18,080 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.40 | $33,304 | $21,787 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.33 | $37,269 | $25,692 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.26 | $41,036 | $29,796 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,604 | $34,097 | 14.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Bowie, MD Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bowie?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,700 for a 5-kW system and $35,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Bowie?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bowie. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is going solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger amount of energy production.
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.