Why You Should Consider Solar Services
Take Control of Your Home’s Power and Comfort
Are you worried that solar panels aren’t worth it in cloudy Bellevue, WA, and the surrounding areas? The short answer is yes, they are. Modern solar energy systems can thrive in our climate and deliver big benefits. As a local HVAC company that’s been serving the Puget Sound region for decades, we at Bob’s Heating & Air Conditioning have seen homeowners increasingly embrace solar power as part of a comfortable, efficient home.
We recently added solar services to our list of home comfort services to meet this growing demand. In this thought piece, we’ll explain why so many of our clients are going solar and how solar can work hand-in-hand with their heating and cooling systems.
SEE MORE: Heat Pump Systems: A More Efficient Approach to Heating
Clean, Green Energy in the Pacific Northwest
Don’t let our gray skies fool you. Western Washington gets plenty of sun for solar power. Seattle actually receives about as much sunlight as Germany, a world leader in solar adoption. High-efficiency solar panels capture diffuse light and operate in all weather conditions. Embrace clean energy without worrying about a lack of sunshine.
Going solar is one of the most effective ways to shrink your household’s carbon footprint. Every kilowatt-hour of solar power you produce is one you don’t need from fossil fuels. Washington State has committed to a 100% carbon-free electricity supply by 2045. By generating your own renewable energy, you’re helping our region cut dependence on non-renewable sources and protect the environment for future generations.
Save on Energy Bills with Solar Power
With solar panels on your roof, you can produce a significant portion of your home’s power and buy a lot less from the utility. Washington’s net metering policy makes these savings especially attractive. Under net metering, any excess energy your solar system generates (for example, on a sunny summer day when you’re at work) goes back to the grid, and your utility credits you at the full retail rate for that power. The result is a dramatically lower electric bill year-round.
Solar is also a smart hedge against rising energy costs. Local electricity rates have been climbing: Seattle City Light raised residential rates 4.5% in 2024 and 5% in 2025 (about $4 more per month for the average home), and other utilities like Puget Sound Energy are hiking rates around 7% this year with more increases to come. By generating your own power, you’re less exposed to these annual rate increases. While payback periods can vary, many solar installations pay for themselves in roughly 10–16 years through energy savings.
Boost Your Home’s Value with Solar Power
Beyond monthly savings, solar panels can increase your property value. According to a Zillow data study, homes with solar sold for about 4% more than comparable homes without solar installations. Washington’s policy lets you capture this added equity without a tax hit. The renewable energy system property tax exemption means your property taxes won’t go up due to the added value from your solar installation. Solar is a sought-after feature that home buyers are coming to expect, so it has both short-term (energy saving) and long-term (resale value) impacts.
Energy Independence and Resilience
We saved one of the top benefits for last. Solar power offers greater energy independence and resilience. When you produce your own electricity, you become less reliant on external utilities and more self-sufficient. Especially when paired with battery backup systems like Tesla’s, you have a built-in power system to support you during outages or emergencies.
Home battery systems like the Tesla Powerwall will store your excess solar and automatically switch to it during outages or peak demand hours (which usually come with higher rates). These batteries know which critical loads to support first – including HVAC, refrigerators, and medical devices–for the ultimate peace of mind.
Curious about how solar could work for your home? Call our team or fill out our contact form to get started. We’ll review your energy needs, explain your options, and help you take the next step toward cleaner, more affordable power.
