Best 5 Solar Companies in Bellevue, WA

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Bellevue

The more comprehensive your company investigation is, the better your photovoltaic system will ultimately work. Consider each of these factors in your service provider search.

Licensing and Training

Solar contractors in Washington need to hold an electrical contractors' license from the Department of Labor and Industries. In certain situations, the department may also conduct permit inspections to verify compliance and the integrity and viability of a contractor's job. You should also visit a company's website to learn about its private credentials. Two of the most respected are the Solar Heating Installer and PV Installation Professional certificates, granted 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

Your solar panels' type will impact how much electricity you can generate. Monocrystalline panels are among the highest quality and perform the best but cost the most. Polycrystalline panels offer you a budget panel with a traditional design, but at the cost of less power generation. Thin-film panels are excellent for non-traditional roof shapes and cost the least, but don't work well for large residential installations.

If you need to charge an electric car or use your solar power in inclement weather, you can pay extra for add-ons. By selecting the right components, you can make your system more efficient and convenient to use. Not every solar provider offers these additional features, so look for a provider that sells them if it's crucial for you.

Most Bellevue homeowners select solar systems rated for five kilowatts (kW) of electrical capacity. These systems cost about $17,950 to install, considering both parts and installation. You can find more specific solar cost information in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in Bellevue

Solar contractors offer multiple different financing options to increase your savings and lower your costs. Though some providers offer unique payment plans, the most common are power purchase agreements (PPAs), solar loans, cash payments and solar leases. We recommend paying with cash or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to minimize your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you rent your panels for a set 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. We recommend working with a provider that offers multiple financing options. Ask each agent about what's available, and obtain more than one estimate for the best odds of staying within your financial plan.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Bellevue.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy equipment until the year 2032. Municipal and state governments and utility companies might also offer rebates, discounts, and unique financing solutions that could save you more.