Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bedford, MA (2024 Update)
- Bedford Solar Installation Cost: $12,674
- 25-Year Savings: $16,851
- Payback Period: 12.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bedford
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Bedford.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bedford, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.5-kW system would cost about $12,674 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Bedford can save about $22,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installation company in Bedford, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bedford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,991 |
| 3 years | $-7,626 |
| 5 years | $-4,260 |
| 7 years | $-895 |
| 9 years | $2,471 |
| 11 years | $5,836 |
| 13 years | $9,202 |
| 15 years | $12,567 |
| 17 years | $15,933 |
| 19 years | $19,298 |
| 21 years | $22,664 |
| 23 years | $26,029 |
| 25 years | $29,394 |
Top Solar Installers in Bedford
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a vetted solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in Bedford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bedford
For many Bedford homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bedford, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by about $4,060. 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Bedford average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Bedford homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to solar energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Bedford, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $17,286 | 12.7 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $23,503 | 12.4 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $29,947 | 12.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $36,619 | 11.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $43,517 | 11.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $50,644 | 11.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $57,997 | 11.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $65,578 | 11.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's Bedford, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bedford?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bedford?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bedford is currently $956,467, so you can expect a value of about $39,215 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bedford is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 install 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.