Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellevue, OH (2023 Update)
- Bellevue Solar Installation Cost: $12,777
- 25-Year Savings: $17,693
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 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 2.56 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Bellevue is around 7.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $12,777 for a solar installation, or $18,271 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Bellevue homeowner. The price 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. Despite the high initial cost, the average Bellevue homeowner can save about $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer 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 | $-11,558 |
| 3 years | $-9,121 |
| 5 years | $-6,683 |
| 7 years | $-4,246 |
| 9 years | $-1,808 |
| 11 years | $630 |
| 13 years | $3,067 |
| 15 years | $5,505 |
| 17 years | $7,942 |
| 19 years | $10,380 |
| 21 years | $12,817 |
| 23 years | $15,255 |
| 25 years | $17,693 |
Top Solar Installers in Bellevue
Although it's possible to install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't certain which solar company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in Bellevue:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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
Though the average cost of a solar system in Bellevue is $12,777, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
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 $2,560 per kilowatt in Bellevue. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Bellevue average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Bellevue to be too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time because of interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Bellevue's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 | $2.66 | $11,182 | $14,470 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $19,580 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $24,833 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $30,230 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $35,770 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $41,454 | 9.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $47,280 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $53,251 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Bellevue, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When looking through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or the company going out of business.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Bellevue, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bellevue?
The average cost of solar panels in Bellevue is about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $855.07 per year.
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 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.