Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellevue, NE (2024 Update)
- Bellevue Solar Installation Cost: $23,804
- 25-Year Savings: $21,695
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellevue
Here’s how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Bellevue.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Bellevue, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 9.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Bellevue, the average price of going solar will be about $23,804 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Bellevue based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Even with the high 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.
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 | $-22,554 |
| 3 years | $-20,054 |
| 5 years | $-17,555 |
| 7 years | $-15,056 |
| 9 years | $-12,556 |
| 11 years | $-10,057 |
| 13 years | $-7,558 |
| 15 years | $-5,058 |
| 17 years | $-2,559 |
| 19 years | $-60 |
| 21 years | $2,440 |
| 23 years | $4,939 |
| 25 years | $7,438 |
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 headache. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that as well. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on installation and sometimes even information on local incentives.
Working with a professional solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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
See all of the solar companies in Bellevue
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellevue
For many Bellevue homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to 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 numerous factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $3,580. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, 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
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Bellevue homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bellevue is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.72 | $15,637 | $9,953 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $13,671 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $17,590 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $21,710 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $26,029 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $30,550 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $35,271 | 13.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $40,192 | 13.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact 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 some important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you choose.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask questions about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
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
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 $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Bellevue?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Bellevue?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of 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.