Is Going Solar in Bedford Still Worth It in 2026?
With the 30% federal solar tax credit no longer available for homeowners installing systems in 2026, many in Bedford are asking a fair question: does the investment in solar panels still make financial sense? The answer is yes, but the strategy has shifted. Success now hinges less on tax incentives and more on smart system design, understanding local electricity market rules, and focusing on long-term value.
Compare bill offset and incentives—open the calculator next.
Open calculatorBenchmark Cost Analysis
How Much Do Solar Panels Cost in Bedford?
For a typical Bedford home with a monthly electricity bill of about $159, a system is sized to cover most of that energy need. Here are the estimated 2026 costs for a standard installation.
- 8.6 kW Solar-Only System: The estimated gross cost is $21,500. This system is designed to significantly reduce your reliance on grid power during sunny hours.
- 8.6 kW System with 10 kWh Battery: Adding energy storage brings the estimated cost to $36,500. This option provides backup power and allows you to store solar energy for use after the sun goes down.
Incentives & Tax Credits
The Best Financial Incentive for Solar in Texas
Even without federal or state tax credits, Texas provides a significant financial benefit to homeowners going solar: a 100% property tax exemption. When you install a solar panel system, the value it adds to your home cannot be included in your property's valuation for tax purposes. This means you get the benefit of a home improvement and lower energy bills without the downside of a higher tax bill. You simply need to file Form 50-123 with your county appraisal district to claim the exemption.
Net Metering: Address-specific utility or retail electricity plan
Limited Export Credit
Optional
Navigating Bedford's Deregulated Electricity Market
Bedford is part of the Texas deregulated market, meaning there's no single 'net metering' policy. The value of surplus solar power you export to the grid is determined by your Retail Electricity Provider (REP). Most REPs offer buyback plans that pay a wholesale rate—modeled here at $0.0397 per kWh—which is much lower than the retail price of $0.1587 per kWh you pay to pull power from the grid. Because of this, using the solar energy you produce is always the most financially efficient choice.
Projected Savings
Projected Savings and Payback Period
Reducing your monthly bill is the primary goal. The savings you see will grow over time if, as projected, grid electricity rates continue to rise.
- A solar-only system is modeled to save around $1,074 in the first year, leading to an estimated payback period of 17.5 years.
- The solar and battery system increases your ability to use your own power, boosting annual savings to $1,664. This brings the payback period down slightly to 16.8 years while also adding valuable power outage protection for ERCOT's sometimes-strained grid.
Furthermore, an owned solar system is a durable home upgrade that can enhance resale appeal for future buyers looking for lower, more predictable energy costs.