Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bellevue, WI (2024 Update)
- Bellevue Solar Installation Cost: $18,890
- 25-Year Savings: $23,823
- Payback Period: 12.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bellevue
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Bellevue.
In Bellevue, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average solar panel system size in Bellevue is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,890 for a solar installation, or $27,013 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Bellevue homeowner can save about $20,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Bellevue for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Bellevue
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,699 |
| 3 years | $-15,317 |
| 5 years | $-12,935 |
| 7 years | $-10,554 |
| 9 years | $-8,172 |
| 11 years | $-5,790 |
| 13 years | $-3,408 |
| 15 years | $-1,027 |
| 17 years | $1,355 |
| 19 years | $3,737 |
| 21 years | $6,119 |
| 23 years | $8,501 |
| 25 years | $10,882 |
Top Solar Installers in Bellevue
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra labor and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Bellevue:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Bellevue
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bellevue
The cost of installing a solar system in Bellevue can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
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 pay around $3,880 per kilowatt in Bellevue.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Bellevue offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Bellevue homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can affect the cost. Bellevue’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.04 | $16,948 | $14,524 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $3.96 | $22,163 | $19,800 | 13.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.88 | $27,160 | $25,293 | 12.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.80 | $31,940 | $31,004 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.72 | $36,503 | $36,932 | 12.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.65 | $40,849 | $43,077 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.57 | $44,977 | $49,439 | 11.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.49 | $48,888 | $56,019 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When looking over your solar company’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.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should go with, since different companies provide different panels.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Bellevue, WI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bellevue?
The average cost of solar panels in Bellevue is about $19,400 for a 5-kW system and $38,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Bellevue?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,049.07 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 needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 cover 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.