Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bowie, TX (2024 Update)
- Bowie Solar Installation Cost: $17,679
- 25-Year Savings: $22,316
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bowie
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Bowie.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bowie, the typical cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Since a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Bowie, the average price of going solar will be about $17,679 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are only averages, and the cost of going solar for you will differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.Even with the large initial cost, the average Bowie homeowner can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bowie
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,235 |
| 3 years | $-13,348 |
| 5 years | $-10,462 |
| 7 years | $-7,575 |
| 9 years | $-4,688 |
| 11 years | $-1,801 |
| 13 years | $1,086 |
| 15 years | $3,973 |
| 17 years | $6,859 |
| 19 years | $9,746 |
| 21 years | $12,633 |
| 23 years | $15,520 |
| 25 years | $18,407 |
Top Solar Installers in Bowie
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar contractor too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Bowie, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Bowie
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bowie
For many Bowie homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system 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 few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,330 per kilowatt in Bowie.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bowie average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Bowie offer 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 go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Bowie, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — 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 decide on the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $14,407 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $19,583 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $24,945 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $30,493 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $36,228 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $42,149 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $48,257 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $54,551 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining 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:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Bowie, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bowie?
The average cost of solar panels in Bowie is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bowie?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Bowie, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Is it worth going solar in Bowie?
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 pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.