Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bedford, PA (2024 Update)
- Bedford Solar Installation Cost: $16,865
- 25-Year Savings: $14,639
- Payback Period: 15.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bedford
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Bedford.
The average cost of a solar system in Bedford is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Bedford, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $16,865, or $24,117 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Bedford depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.With typical savings of about $15,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bedford find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bedford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,388 |
| 3 years | $-12,433 |
| 5 years | $-9,478 |
| 7 years | $-6,523 |
| 9 years | $-3,568 |
| 11 years | $-613 |
| 13 years | $2,342 |
| 15 years | $5,297 |
| 17 years | $8,252 |
| 19 years | $11,207 |
| 21 years | $14,162 |
| 23 years | $17,117 |
| 25 years | $20,072 |
Top Solar Installers in Bedford
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make switching to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Bedford:
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Bedford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bedford
The cost of installing a solar system in Bedford can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you select will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 | $3.69 | $15,506 | $8,146 | 16.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $11,258 | 16.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $14,570 | 15.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $18,080 | 15.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $21,790 | 15.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $25,698 | 14.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $29,804 | 14.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $34,110 | 14.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Bedford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which company you should go with, since different companies have different panels.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Bedford, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bedford?
The average cost of solar panels in Bedford is about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Bedford?
A solar panel system isn’t free in Bedford, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can solar panels eliminate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $788.40 per year.
How long do solar panels last in Bedford?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.