Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellevue, NE (Jun 2022)
- Bellevue Solar Installation Cost: $19,895
- 25-Year Savings: $20,617
- Payback Period: 12.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Updated 5/26/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellevue
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Bellevue.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bellevue, the average cost of a solar system is $3 per watt. The average Bellevue homeowner needs a 9.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $19,895, or $14,722 after the federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Bellevue see about $16,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bellevue
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,274 |
| 3 years | $-15,033 |
| 5 years | $-11,793 |
| 7 years | $-8,552 |
| 9 years | $-5,311 |
| 11 years | $-2,070 |
| 13 years | $1,171 |
| 15 years | $4,412 |
| 17 years | $7,653 |
| 19 years | $10,894 |
| 21 years | $14,135 |
| 23 years | $17,376 |
| 25 years | $20,617 |
Top Solar Installers in Bellevue
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
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
4.0
- 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
Even though the average cost of solar panels in Bellevue is $19,895, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment Size
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,830 per kilowatt in Bellevue. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Bellevue, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much you pay. Bellevue's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Bellevue are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $2.94 | $13,068 | $12,522 | 12.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.89 | $17,089 | $17,031 | 12.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.83 | $20,942 | $21,708 | 12.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.77 | $24,628 | $26,552 | 12.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.72 | $28,146 | $31,564 | 11.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.66 | $31,497 | $36,743 | 11.5 years |
| 18 kW | $2.60 | $34,680 | $42,090 | 11.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.55 | $37,696 | $47,605 | 11.0 years |
Solar Incentives in Bellevue
| Name | Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Community Renewable Energy Projects |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | Local Option - Property-Assessed Clean Energy Financing |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Dollar and Energy Savings Loans |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
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 picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it's necessary to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
- 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
4.0
- 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?
The average cost of solar panels in Bellevue is about $14,150 for a 5-kW system and $28,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Bellevue?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it commonly 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Bellevue, 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 check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.
