Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellevue, WA (2024 Update)
- Bellevue Solar Installation Cost: $10,925
- 25-Year Savings: $10,641
- Payback Period: 14.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellevue
We break down average solar pricing in Bellevue.
The average cost of a solar panel system in Bellevue is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 4.3-kW system would cost about $10,925 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Bellevue homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Despite the high initial cost, the average Bellevue homeowner can save around $17,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Bellevue for a personalized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Bellevue
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,649 |
| 3 years | $-7,098 |
| 5 years | $-4,546 |
| 7 years | $-1,994 |
| 9 years | $558 |
| 11 years | $3,110 |
| 13 years | $5,661 |
| 15 years | $8,213 |
| 17 years | $10,765 |
| 19 years | $13,317 |
| 21 years | $15,869 |
| 23 years | $18,421 |
| 25 years | $20,972 |
Top Solar Installers in Bellevue
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period on an investment in solar panels will vary depending on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Bellevue:
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 install solar panels 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 a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in Bellevue, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,590 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Bellevue, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited 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
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Bellevue, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can impact 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 make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $3.73 | $15,681 | $10,183 | 15.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.66 | $20,506 | $13,979 | 14.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.59 | $25,130 | $17,977 | 14.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.52 | $29,553 | $22,175 | 14.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.45 | $33,775 | $26,575 | 14.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,796 | $31,176 | 13.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.30 | $41,615 | $35,977 | 13.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.23 | $45,234 | $40,980 | 13.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- 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 system is installed, such as repairing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project timeline incentives and warranties.
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, WA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Bellevue?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,950 for a 5-kW system and $35,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Bellevue?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bellevue. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Bellevue is currently $1,312,832, so you could be looking at a value of about $53,826 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Bellevue is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.