Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bedford, OH (2023 Update)
- Bedford Solar Installation Cost: $14,116
- 25-Year Savings: $12,793
- Payback Period: 13.1 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bedford
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Bedford.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bedford it's 2.56 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Bedford, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $14,121, or $20,193 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Bedford based on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Bedford homeowners see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bedford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,026 |
| 3 years | $-13,847 |
| 5 years | $-13,667 |
| 7 years | $-13,488 |
| 9 years | $-13,309 |
| 11 years | $-13,129 |
| 13 years | $-12,950 |
| 15 years | $-12,770 |
| 17 years | $-12,591 |
| 19 years | $-12,412 |
| 21 years | $-12,232 |
| 23 years | $-12,053 |
| 25 years | $-11,873 |
Top Solar Installers in Bedford
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar company in Bedford, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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
For many Bedford homeowners, the decision to go solar depends 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 a few factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major 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 increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,560. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bedford, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
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. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Bedford homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bedford is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.66 | $11,182 | $9,314 | 13.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $12,705 | 13.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $16,240 | 13.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $19,918 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $23,740 | 12.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $27,705 | 12.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $31,813 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $36,064 | 11.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably influences your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking over your solar installer's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Bedford, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bedford?
The average cost of solar panels in Bedford is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Bedford?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for lots of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already fairly low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels should I get to power 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 typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.