Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bedford, VA (2025 Update)
- Bedford Solar Installation Cost: $19,387
- 25-Year Savings: $11,406
- Payback Period: 18.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bedford
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Bedford.
In Bedford, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Bedford homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,387 with the federal tax credit, or $27,723 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bedford homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Bedford for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bedford
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,968 |
| 3 years | $-15,128 |
| 5 years | $-12,289 |
| 7 years | $-9,449 |
| 9 years | $-6,610 |
| 11 years | $-3,771 |
| 13 years | $-931 |
| 15 years | $1,908 |
| 17 years | $4,748 |
| 19 years | $7,587 |
| 21 years | $10,426 |
| 23 years | $13,266 |
| 25 years | $16,105 |
Top Solar Installers in Bedford
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you aren’t sure what brand 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’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
Though the average cost of a solar system in Bedford is $19,387, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to consider.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bedford, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can influence how much you pay. Bedford’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Bedford know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.73 | $15,681 | $4,739 | 19.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $6,721 | 18.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $8,904 | 18.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $11,288 | 18.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $13,873 | 17.7 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $16,659 | 17.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $19,646 | 17.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $22,834 | 16.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose significantly affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- 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’re unsure 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.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Bedford, VA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bedford?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 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 consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $680.68 per year.
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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.