Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bowling Green, MO (2023 Update)
- Bowling Green Solar Installation Cost: $13,258
- 25-Year Savings: $20,084
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bowling Green
We go over average solar pricing in Bowling Green.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bowling Green generally cost about 2.59. The average Bowling Green homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $13,253 with the federal tax credit, or $18,952 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Bowling Green depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Even with the high initial cost, the average Bowling Green homeowner can save about $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Bowling Green
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,968 |
| 3 years | $-9,387 |
| 5 years | $-6,806 |
| 7 years | $-4,224 |
| 9 years | $-1,643 |
| 11 years | $938 |
| 13 years | $3,519 |
| 15 years | $6,100 |
| 17 years | $8,681 |
| 19 years | $11,262 |
| 21 years | $13,844 |
| 23 years | $16,425 |
| 25 years | $19,006 |
Top Solar Installers in Bowling Green
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're not certain what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Bowling Green
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bowling Green
While the average cost of a solar system in Bowling Green is $13,253, your actual cost may differ. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,590. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Bowling Green, which can reduce, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bowling Green is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.69 | $11,313 | $16,043 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $21,681 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $27,464 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $33,392 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $39,465 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $45,683 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $52,046 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $58,554 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one sign of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Bowling Green, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bowling Green?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bowling Green?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bowling Green?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can be compensated for the extra power your system produces 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 stop working completely 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 continue to use 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.