Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellevue, KY (2023 Update)
- Bellevue Solar Installation Cost: $15,916
- 25-Year Savings: $15,909
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellevue
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Bellevue.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Bellevue generally cost around 2.34. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Bellevue, most homeowners require a 9.7-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,921, or $22,767 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The actual cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average Bellevue homeowners see about $12,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Bellevue for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bellevue
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,810 |
| 3 years | $-15,598 |
| 5 years | $-15,386 |
| 7 years | $-15,174 |
| 9 years | $-14,961 |
| 11 years | $-14,749 |
| 13 years | $-14,537 |
| 15 years | $-14,325 |
| 17 years | $-14,113 |
| 19 years | $-13,901 |
| 21 years | $-13,688 |
| 23 years | $-13,476 |
| 25 years | $-13,264 |
Top Solar Installers in Bellevue
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Bellevue, 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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Bellevue
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellevue
For many Bellevue homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Bellevue, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,340. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bellevue, 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bellevue to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Bellevue's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.43 | $10,221 | $9,430 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.39 | $13,366 | $12,836 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.34 | $16,380 | $16,372 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.29 | $19,263 | $20,040 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.25 | $22,015 | $23,839 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.20 | $24,636 | $27,768 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.15 | $27,125 | $31,829 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.11 | $29,484 | $36,021 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully 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 component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you hire.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Bellevue, KY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bellevue?
The average cost of solar panels in Bellevue is about $11,700 for a 5-kW system and $23,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bellevue?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won't be able to save as much. If you lease, you don't own the system, so you can't claim any incentives and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Bellevue?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 house 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.