Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bedford, IN (2024 Update)

  • Bedford Solar Installation Cost: $24,869
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,725
  • Payback Period: 14.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bedford

Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Bedford.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bedford, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Bedford is around 8.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $24,869 for a solar installation, or $35,563 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Bedford depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $19,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in your area for a customized quote.

Solar savings over time in Bedford

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-23,543
3 years $-20,892
5 years $-18,241
7 years $-15,589
9 years $-12,938
11 years $-10,287
13 years $-7,636
15 years $-4,985
17 years $-2,333
19 years $318
21 years $2,969
23 years $5,620
25 years $8,271

Top Solar Installers in Bedford

Putting up solar panels yourself can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy usage, but working with a solar company can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Bedford

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bedford

There are several factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,100.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are available from most installers in Bedford, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.It’s wise to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installer you choose will impact your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 $4.26 $17,909 $11,852 15.0 years
8 kW $4.18 $23,419 $16,262 14.8 years
10 kW $4.10 $28,700 $20,902 14.5 years
12 kW $4.02 $33,751 $25,771 14.2 years
14 kW $3.94 $38,573 $30,870 13.9 years
16 kW $3.85 $43,165 $36,198 13.6 years
18 kW $3.77 $47,527 $41,756 13.3 years
20 kW $3.69 $51,660 $47,544 13.0 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:

  • Contract: Although reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar panel system, ensuring your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years 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 adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Bedford, IN Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bedford?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,500 for a 5-kW system and $41,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Bedford?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Bedford. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Is it worth going solar in Bedford?

Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your energy bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 account for 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.

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