Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellevue, NE (Oct 2022)
- Bellevue Solar Installation Cost: $18,820
- 25-Year Savings: $21,692
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Updated 9/16/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellevue
We go over average solar pricing in Bellevue.
In Bellevue, solar panels cost about $3 per watt on average. The average Bellevue homeowner needs a 9.5-kilowatt system, which would cost about $18,820, or $13,927 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bellevue homeowner. The cost 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. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Bellevue see about $16,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
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
Many homeowners opt for a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Also, companies with a good reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Bellevue, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- 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
While the average cost of solar panels in Bellevue is $18,820, 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 residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment Size
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,830 per kilowatt in Bellevue. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bellevue, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice 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 all-in costs, so it's crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Bellevue, and each can charge different amounts 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 prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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 |
Solar Incentives in Bellevue
| Name | Dollar and Energy Savings Loans |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Sales and Use Tax Exemption for Community Renewable Energy Projects |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Nebraska Public Power District - Residential Energy Efficiency Rebate Programs |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Local Option - Property-Assessed Clean Energy Financing |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Technology
The Green Panel
- 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
How much does it cost to install 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bellevue?
You can't get solar panels for free in Bellevue. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to erase 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 the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using 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.
