Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bowie, MD (2023 Update)
- Bowie Solar Installation Cost: $10,577
- 25-Year Savings: $10,888
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bowie
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Bowie.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bowie generally cost around 2.77. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Bowie, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,568, or $15,112 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bowie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,505 |
| 3 years | $-10,362 |
| 5 years | $-10,219 |
| 7 years | $-10,076 |
| 9 years | $-9,933 |
| 11 years | $-9,790 |
| 13 years | $-9,647 |
| 15 years | $-9,504 |
| 17 years | $-9,361 |
| 19 years | $-9,217 |
| 21 years | $-9,074 |
| 23 years | $-8,931 |
| 25 years | $-8,788 |
Top Solar Installers in Bowie
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Bowie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bowie
For many Bowie homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bowie, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Bowie, 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 energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bowie, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bowie have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Bowie, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and models of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Bowie, MD Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bowie?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bowie?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bowie?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.