Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bedford, NY (2024 Update)
- Bedford Solar Installation Cost: $10,696
- 25-Year Savings: $15,425
- Payback Period: 11.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bedford
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Bedford.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bedford it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Bedford is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,696 for a solar installation, or $15,295 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
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 be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Bedford can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer 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 | $-8,816 |
| 3 years | $-5,057 |
| 5 years | $-1,298 |
| 7 years | $2,462 |
| 9 years | $6,221 |
| 11 years | $9,981 |
| 13 years | $13,740 |
| 15 years | $17,499 |
| 17 years | $21,259 |
| 19 years | $25,018 |
| 21 years | $28,777 |
| 23 years | $32,537 |
| 25 years | $36,296 |
Top Solar Installers in Bedford
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
Working with a professional solar installer 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
See all of the solar companies in Bedford
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bedford
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Bedford: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,650 per kilowatt in Bedford.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just 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 solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.80 | $15,943 | $18,554 | 11.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $25,148 | 11.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $31,946 | 11.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $38,949 | 10.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $46,155 | 10.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $53,567 | 10.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $61,182 | 10.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $69,002 | 10.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bedford?
The average cost of solar panels in Bedford is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bedford?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bedford. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Bedford?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to 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.