Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellevue, PA (2024 Update)

  • Bellevue Solar Installation Cost: $17,320
  • 25-Year Savings: $17,273
  • Payback Period: 14.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellevue

See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Bellevue.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Bellevue it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Bellevue is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,320 for a solar installation, or $24,768 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on power bills.

For a customized 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 $-15,683
3 years $-12,410
5 years $-9,136
7 years $-5,862
9 years $-2,588
11 years $686
13 years $3,960
15 years $7,233
17 years $10,507
19 years $13,781
21 years $17,055
23 years $20,329
25 years $23,603

Top Solar Installers in Bellevue

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money over time.

There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Bellevue

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellevue

For many Bellevue homeowners, the decision to install solar panels rests 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 various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,550. The kind of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.

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. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you hire to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Bellevue, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Bellevue have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, 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 $3.69 $15,506 $10,072 15.2 years
8 kW $3.62 $20,278 $13,827 14.9 years
10 kW $3.55 $24,850 $17,781 14.6 years
12 kW $3.48 $29,224 $21,934 14.3 years
14 kW $3.41 $33,398 $26,285 14.0 years
16 kW $3.34 $37,374 $30,836 13.7 years
18 kW $3.27 $41,152 $35,585 13.4 years
20 kW $3.19 $44,730 $40,532 13.1 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in Bellevue, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
  • Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
  • Warranty: If you care about the durability of your solar panels, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Bellevue, PA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bellevue?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

The initial cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to consider are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Solar panels can increase your property’s value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 household 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.

Follow us