Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bowie, MD (2023 Update)
- Bowie Solar Installation Cost: $10,568
- 25-Year Savings: $10,898
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bowie
We break down average solar pricing in Bowie.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bowie it's 2.77 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Bowie is around 5.5 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,568 for a solar installation, or $15,112 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Bowie depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With typical savings of about $15,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bowie find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Bowie for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bowie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,709 |
| 3 years | $-7,992 |
| 5 years | $-6,274 |
| 7 years | $-4,557 |
| 9 years | $-2,840 |
| 11 years | $-1,123 |
| 13 years | $594 |
| 15 years | $2,312 |
| 17 years | $4,029 |
| 19 years | $5,746 |
| 21 years | $7,463 |
| 23 years | $9,180 |
| 25 years | $10,898 |
Top Solar Installers in Bowie
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be hard. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Bowie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bowie
The cost of installing a solar system in Bowie can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,770 per kilowatt in Bowie. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bowie, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bowie provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you select will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $11,511 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,658 | 12.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $19,961 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $24,418 | 12.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $29,031 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $33,799 | 11.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $38,721 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $43,799 | 11.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar 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.
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you opt for.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
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 Bowie, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bowie?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 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 needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Bowie?
A solar panel system isn't free in Bowie, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably 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?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.