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Best 3 Solar Companies in Bellevue, NE

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Written By Max Peterson|Last Updated: April 18, 2024

With Bellevue's clear skies and little rainfall, it's an ideal area for families and businesses seeking to harness the added sunlight by purchasing panels from one of the best solar installers. While going solar comes with upfront costs, local homeowners could ultimately save $850 per kilowatt on their electric bills. A professional company can help you choose the best panels to maximize your savings. Discover Bellevue's top-rated solar companies and learn essential decision-making tips on this page.

Best High-Efficiency System
4.8
  • Builds custom, high-efficiency solar systems suited to each home
  • Extensive coverage area throughout the country
  • Offers energy storage and EV charger add-ons

Top Bellevue Solar Companies

J-Tech Solar Logo

J-Tech Solar

4.0/5
Based on 12 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel InstallationSkilled RepairsConsultation

Highlights

  • Reliable customer support
  • Clear pricing policy
  • Free quotes
6200 Havelock Ave, Lincoln, NE 402-261-8207 jtechconst.com
ABC Electric Company Inc. Logo

ABC Electric Company

4.2/5
Based on 27 customer reviews.

Services Offered

Panel InstallationCleaning And Maintenance

Highlights

  • Free quotes
  • Informative resources
  • Prompt service delivery
1012 N 25th St, Lincoln, NE 402-435-3514 abcelectric.net

Ranking Methodology

We evaluated a multitude of Bellevue solar providers, using the following criteria to choose the best:

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Facts about Bellevue
Average Max Temp:62°F
Solar Payback Period:13.0 years
Average Daily Sunlight:54%
Homes Powered by Solar:64
Average Annual Energy Bill:$1,250
Solar Power per Capita Percentile:48.0%

Expert Tips By

This Old House empowers homeowners with the knowledge and tools they need to tackle various projects and navigate the complexities of homeownership.

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.gov

Incentive 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.com

Incentive 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.com

Incentive 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 CostAverage 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 CapacityEstimated Payback period
1 kW2.6 years
2 kW5.2 years
5 kW13.0 years
10 kW26.0 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?

Most Bellevue homeowners spend about $1,250 on energy each year. Your costs could drop by $853.00 for each kilowatt you generate after you pay off a solar array.

How popular is solar energy in Bellevue?

Yes, solar energy is readily available in Bellevue. A growing number of area homes already use solar power on-site or through utility grids, and Nebraska has about 1332 jobs making up its solar economy.

Should I expect a boost in my property value after switching to solar energy?

Yes, new solar systems mean higher property values according to the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL.) Homeowners could project a $20 property value increase for each dollar they save on energy. Therefore, $600 in energy savings could increase your home's value by $12,000.

How many years will a standard solar system last?

Modern solar panels are built to last. The average model provides 25 years of reliable power. Cheaper panels tend to have shorter lifespans than higher-quality models.

What care do my solar panels need, and how often do they need it?

To protect your solar system's efficiency, inspections and cleanings every six months are usually sufficient. In dusty or dry seasons, your panels might need cleanings every one to two months. Your provider can recommend a maintenance schedule. Its team could also do the cleaning for you.

How long does it take to pay back a solar loan in Bellevue?

Most Bellevue homeowners pay back a solar loan in 14.7 years. You can shorten the payback period by paying off extra loan principal each month.

What is "net metering," and how does it work?

Most states and utilities offer net metering programs, and some require homeowners to join. Once you register, you can get a check or bill credit for any surplus electricity you generate and send to the grid. Generally, power companies compensate solar homeowners at a wholesale or "avoided-cost" rate.

How many estimates should I get before making a final solar company decision?

Yes, we advise asking for free solar quotes from three or more companies. You should review each quote and compare financing options, equipment costs, warranty details, prework scope and costs and labor fees. Ensure each quote presents an itemized financial plan and includes your anticipated payback period.

To share feedback or ask a question about this article, send a note to our Reviews Team at reviewsteam@thisoldhousereviews.com.

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