Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellevue, NE (Jan 2023)
- Bellevue Solar Installation Cost: $18,820
- 25-Year Savings: $21,692
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellevue
We go over average solar pricing in Bellevue.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bellevue it's $3 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Bellevue, most homeowners require a 9.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,820, or $13,927 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of going solar can vary quite a bit depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with. Even with the large initial cost, the average Bellevue homeowner can save about $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Bellevue that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Bellevue
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,199 |
| 3 years | $-13,958 |
| 5 years | $-10,717 |
| 7 years | $-7,476 |
| 9 years | $-4,235 |
| 11 years | $-994 |
| 13 years | $2,247 |
| 15 years | $5,488 |
| 17 years | $8,729 |
| 19 years | $11,970 |
| 21 years | $15,211 |
| 23 years | $18,452 |
| 25 years | $21,692 |
Top Solar Installers in Bellevue
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a challenging project. A solar company can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're searching for a solar company in Bellevue, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Bellevue
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellevue
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Bellevue: 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
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,830. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Bellevue homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When figuring 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 reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Bellevue, you'll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.94 | $12,361 | $13,229 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $16,165 | $17,955 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $19,810 | $22,840 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $23,297 | $27,884 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $26,625 | $33,085 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $29,794 | $38,446 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $32,805 | $43,965 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $35,658 | $49,642 | 10.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Bellevue, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Bellevue, NE Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bellevue?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is it worth going solar in Bellevue?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.