Benefits of Solar Energy
Solar energy has several advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.
- Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have dependable energy during storms and grid outages.
- Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power reduces your dependence on conventional, less environmentally-friendly sources.
- Lowered energy bills: With a solar array, you produce power without paying the tacked-on costs of grid-connected power. You can eliminate your bills completely if you go off-grid. Plus, a significant amount of states have adopted net metering, which permit you to earn money by selling your unused energy back to the grid.
What Solar Incentives Are Available to Bellevue Homeowners?
Nebraska's public agencies and power companies offer multiple solar incentives to help cut your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.
Incentive Type: Loan Program
Website: neo.ne.govIncentive Amount:
Traditional Dollar and Energy Savings Loans:
Residential: $125,000;
Multifamily dwellings with 3 or more units: $250,000
Non-Residential: $500,000;
Home Electronics: $25,000;
Office Electronics: $50,000
Alternative Fuel Projects: $500,000
Telecommunications Projects: $250,000
Incentive Type: Sales Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% exemption
Incentive Type: Rebate Program
Website: nppd.comIncentive Amount:
Smart Thermostat: Up to $100
High Efficiency Heat Pump: $300 - $2,500
Heat Pump Water Heater: $300 - $500
Cooling System Tune-Up: $30
Attic Insulation: $0.15/sq. ft.
Incentive Type: PACE Financing
Incentive Amount:
PACE bonds are capped at $5 million unless approved by referendum.
Incentive Type: Personal Tax Credit
Website: ecowatch.comIncentive Amount:
30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels.
How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Bellevue
The purchase price and efficiency of solar panels often hinge on the provider that mounted them. Here are some crucial criteria to bear in mind while searching for a solar provider.
Licensing and Training
In Nebraska, the state's Electrical Division issues and manages licenses to solar installers, with some cities requiring supplemental licenses or endorsements for a contractor to perform solar work. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private certifications. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, awarded by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP). Some companies don't publish this information online, so you should also ask your estimator about them.
Cost of Solar Panels in Bellevue
The type of solar panels you choose dictates how much power you can generate. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't the best for large residential installations, but they are excellent accessories for non-traditional roofs.
If you want to charge an electric vehicle (EV) or use your solar power in cloudy weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By choosing the right components, you can make your system more productive and convenient to use. Not all solar companies provide these optional components, so look for a company that installs them if it's a priority for you.
Generally speaking, it will cost about $17,900 for a five-kilowatt solar array in Bellevue. This table displays more specific costs for different solar panel types and system components in your area.
Solar Panel Cost | Average Cost |
---|---|
Solar Monocrystalline | $1,123 |
Solar Polycrystalline | $876 |
Thin-Film | $512 |
Solar Battery | $718 |
Solar Home EV Charger | $2,694 |
Financing Solar Energy in Bellevue
Choosing the right financing solution will impact your overall solar system cost and possible savings. Common payment options include cash payments, loans, power purchase agreements, and leases. Most solar experts recommend paying cash or using a solar loan. Cash payments demand a large up-front sum, but they save you from paying interest, grant you system ownership, and qualify you for cost-saving solar incentives. Solar loans have the same benefits, though you'll pay more in total due to interest and fees. Like an auto or home loan, you'll pay a set monthly rate with as little as $0 down. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay only for the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Ask each installer you're vetting about the financing options it offers. A team member can help you determine the optimal option for your budget.
The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Bellevue.
You can claim a 26% federal solar tax credit from the IRS for new residential solar systems purchased before 2032. Additionally, utilities and local governments may have their own rebates and financing plans that could reduce your total cost even more.
Solar System Capacity | Estimated Payback period |
---|---|
1 kW | 2.6 years |
2 kW | 5.2 years |
5 kW | 13.0 years |
10 kW | 26.0 years |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Solar in Bellevue
How much energy and money could I save per year by switching to solar?
How popular is solar energy in Bellevue?
Should I expect a boost in my property value after switching to solar energy?
How many years will a standard solar system last?
What care do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?
How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Bellevue?
What is "net metering," and how does it work?
How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?
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