Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bowling Green, MO (2024 Update)
- Bowling Green Solar Installation Cost: $17,251
- 25-Year Savings: $20,084
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bowling Green
See how much it might cost to go solar in Bowling Green.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bowling Green it’s 3 per watt.The average Bowling Green homeowner needs a 7.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,251 with the federal tax credit, or $24,669 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Bowling Green can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Bowling Green that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bowling Green
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,961 |
| 3 years | $-13,380 |
| 5 years | $-10,798 |
| 7 years | $-8,217 |
| 9 years | $-5,636 |
| 11 years | $-3,055 |
| 13 years | $-474 |
| 15 years | $2,107 |
| 17 years | $4,688 |
| 19 years | $7,270 |
| 21 years | $9,851 |
| 23 years | $12,432 |
| 25 years | $15,013 |
Top Solar Installers in Bowling Green
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in Bowling Green is $17,251, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar 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 largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,370 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will greatly affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Plus, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bowling Green to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Bowling Green know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $3.50 | $14,720 | $12,636 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.44 | $19,249 | $17,226 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.37 | $23,590 | $22,004 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.30 | $27,742 | $26,971 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.24 | $31,705 | $32,127 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.17 | $35,479 | $37,471 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.10 | $39,065 | $43,004 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.03 | $42,462 | $48,726 | 11.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- 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.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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, MO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bowling Green?
The average cost of solar panels in Bowling Green is about $16,850 for a 5-kW system and $33,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bowling Green?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
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 solar panels."
How long do solar panels last in Bowling Green?
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 higher level 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.