Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cut Off, LA (2024 Update)
- Cut Off Solar Installation Cost: $26,272
- 25-Year Savings: $20,835
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cut Off
We break down average solar pricing in Cut Off.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Cut Off it’s 4 per watt.The average Cut Off homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $26,272 with the federal tax credit, or $37,569 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Cut Off depending on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Even with the large initial cost, the average Cut Off homeowner can save around $15,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Cut Off for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cut Off
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-24,962 |
| 3 years | $-22,344 |
| 5 years | $-19,725 |
| 7 years | $-17,107 |
| 9 years | $-14,488 |
| 11 years | $-11,870 |
| 13 years | $-9,251 |
| 15 years | $-6,633 |
| 17 years | $-4,014 |
| 19 years | $-1,396 |
| 21 years | $1,223 |
| 23 years | $3,841 |
| 25 years | $6,460 |
Top Solar Installers in Cut Off
Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since figuring out how to install solar panels on your own can be hard. Another perk of using a solar company is that they can help you maximize your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Cut Off, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Cut Off
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cut Off
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Cut Off: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,800 per kilowatt in Cut Off.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Cut Off, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cut Off to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Cut Off, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.95 | $16,598 | $6,853 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.88 | $21,706 | $9,562 | 17.4 years |
| 10 kW | $3.80 | $26,600 | $12,485 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.72 | $31,282 | $15,620 | 16.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.65 | $35,750 | $18,968 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.57 | $40,006 | $22,529 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.50 | $44,050 | $26,303 | 15.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.42 | $47,880 | $30,290 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind 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 ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Cut Off, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Cut Off?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,000 for a 5-kW system and $38,000 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cut Off?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Cut Off. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in Cut Off?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.