Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bedford, PA (2023 Update)
- Bedford Solar Installation Cost: $12,120
- 25-Year Savings: $14,634
- Payback Period: 11.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bedford
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Bedford.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Bedford is 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $12,120 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Bedford homeowner can save about $15,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bedford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,050 |
| 3 years | $-8,910 |
| 5 years | $-6,769 |
| 7 years | $-4,629 |
| 9 years | $-2,489 |
| 11 years | $-348 |
| 13 years | $1,792 |
| 15 years | $3,932 |
| 17 years | $6,072 |
| 19 years | $8,213 |
| 21 years | $10,353 |
| 23 years | $12,493 |
| 25 years | $14,634 |
Top Solar Installers in Bedford
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Some solar installers, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Bedford, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Bedford: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. Because of that, it's a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bedford, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Bedford, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Bedford, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have access to more 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 names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.65 | $11,138 | $12,514 | 11.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $16,970 | 11.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $21,570 | 11.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $26,312 | 11.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $31,198 | 10.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $36,226 | 10.6 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $41,396 | 10.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $46,710 | 10.2 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 choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
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, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bedford?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
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'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Bedford, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that 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 often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose 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.