Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bowling Green, OH (2024 Update)
- Bowling Green Solar Installation Cost: $18,271
- 25-Year Savings: $18,906
- Payback Period: 14.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bowling Green
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bowling Green.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bowling Green generally cost about 3.The average solar panel system size in Bowling Green is around 7.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,271 for a solar installation, or $26,128 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar panel company in Bowling Green for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bowling Green
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,826 |
| 3 years | $-13,938 |
| 5 years | $-11,049 |
| 7 years | $-8,161 |
| 9 years | $-5,273 |
| 11 years | $-2,384 |
| 13 years | $504 |
| 15 years | $3,393 |
| 17 years | $6,281 |
| 19 years | $9,170 |
| 21 years | $12,058 |
| 23 years | $14,947 |
| 25 years | $17,835 |
Top Solar Installers in Bowling Green
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over time.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Bowling Green:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Bowling Green
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bowling Green
There are several criteria that can affect your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 nearly $3,410. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Bowling Green have solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Bowling Green homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
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 solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.55 | $14,895 | $10,677 | 14.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $14,618 | 14.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $18,749 | 14.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $23,072 | 13.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $27,586 | 13.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $32,290 | 13.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $37,186 | 12.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $42,273 | 12.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Bowling Green, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bowling Green?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Bowling Green?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.