Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bedford, IN (2025 Update)
- Bedford Solar Installation Cost: $24,869
- 25-Year Savings: $26,725
- Payback Period: 14.5 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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bedford, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 8.7-kW system would cost about $24,869 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 several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Bedford that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
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
Installing solar panels yourself can be a dangerous task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Bedford, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Bedford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bedford
There are many criteria that can influence 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 panel systems 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 raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,100.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bedford average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Bedford, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bedford is the company you get to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically 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 extra services like electric car 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 | $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 companies to choose from in Bedford, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Bedford, IN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bedford?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper 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 install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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.