Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cutler, CA (2024 Update)

  • Cutler Solar Installation Cost: $7,187
  • 25-Year Savings: $16,896
  • Payback Period: 8.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cutler

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Cutler.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Cutler generally cost about 3.Because a 3.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Cutler, the average price of going solar will be about $7,187 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The actual cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on several factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Despite the high upfront cost, the average Cutler homeowner can save around $29,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.

For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Cutler

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,649
3 years $-2,573
5 years $503
7 years $3,578
9 years $6,654
11 years $9,730
13 years $12,806
15 years $15,882
17 years $18,957
19 years $22,033
21 years $25,109
23 years $28,185
25 years $31,261

Top Solar Installers in Cutler

Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar installers offer can be invaluable as well, particularly if you aren’t sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.

There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

See all of the solar companies in Cutler

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cutler

Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that affect your total cost in Cutler: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Cutler homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you select will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Cutler know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.61 $15,157 $30,571 8.3 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $41,150 8.1 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $51,923 8.0 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $62,891 7.8 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $74,053 7.6 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $85,409 7.5 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $96,960 7.3 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $108,705 7.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
  • Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Cutler, CA Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cutler?

The average cost of solar panels in Cutler is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.

What other factors should I consider aside from cost when buying solar panels?

Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,524.27 per year.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily 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 account for 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.

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