Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bedford, MA (2023 Update)
- Bedford Solar Installation Cost: $9,179
- 25-Year Savings: $16,850
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bedford
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Bedford.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bedford generally cost about 2.94. Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Bedford, the average price of going solar will be about $9,179 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bedford homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $22,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To get 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 | $-8,138 |
| 3 years | $-6,055 |
| 5 years | $-3,973 |
| 7 years | $-1,891 |
| 9 years | $192 |
| 11 years | $2,274 |
| 13 years | $4,356 |
| 15 years | $6,438 |
| 17 years | $8,521 |
| 19 years | $10,603 |
| 21 years | $12,685 |
| 23 years | $14,768 |
| 25 years | $16,850 |
Top Solar Installers in Bedford
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your family.
Working with a vetted solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. 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
See all of the solar companies in Bedford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bedford
There are many criteria that can affect your 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Bedford, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,940 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bedford to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.06 | $12,842 | $22,178 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.00 | $16,793 | $29,900 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.94 | $20,580 | $37,787 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.88 | $24,202 | $45,838 | 8.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.82 | $27,660 | $54,054 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.76 | $30,952 | $62,435 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.70 | $34,080 | $70,980 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.65 | $37,044 | $79,690 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies available 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:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar panel system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Bedford, MA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bedford?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,700 for a 5-kW system and $29,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bedford?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most savings from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Bedford, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How long do solar panels last in Bedford?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.