Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bedford Heights, OH (2024 Update)
- Bedford Heights Solar Installation Cost: $18,803
- 25-Year Savings: $14,602
- Payback Period: 16.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bedford Heights
We go over average solar pricing in Bedford Heights.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bedford Heights generally cost about 3.The average Bedford Heights homeowner needs a 7.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,803 with the federal tax credit, or $26,888 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Bedford Heights depending on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on power bills.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Bedford Heights, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bedford Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,549 |
| 3 years | $-15,041 |
| 5 years | $-12,534 |
| 7 years | $-10,026 |
| 9 years | $-7,518 |
| 11 years | $-5,011 |
| 13 years | $-2,503 |
| 15 years | $4 |
| 17 years | $2,512 |
| 19 years | $5,020 |
| 21 years | $7,527 |
| 23 years | $10,035 |
| 25 years | $12,542 |
Top Solar Installers in Bedford Heights
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it takes extra energy and handiness. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are usually included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Bedford Heights:
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 Bedford Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bedford Heights
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Bedford Heights: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Bedford Heights, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want 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 come at a higher price 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 greater 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
Most solar installers in Bedford Heights offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.While solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bedford Heights homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you hire to handle your switch to solar energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Bedford Heights, and each can charge different amounts 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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $6,980 | 17.0 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $9,688 | 16.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $12,587 | 16.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $15,678 | 16.0 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $18,959 | 15.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $22,431 | 15.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $26,094 | 15.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $29,949 | 14.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. While 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 ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Bedford Heights, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bedford Heights?
The average cost of solar panels in Bedford Heights is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bedford Heights?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Bedford Heights, 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 can help lower the cost.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose 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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 get 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.