Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cudahy, CA (2023 Update)
- Cudahy Solar Installation Cost: $5,444
- 25-Year Savings: $13,325
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cudahy
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Cudahy.
In Cudahy, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Cudahy, most homeowners require a 2.9-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $5,446, or $7,788 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Cudahy can save around $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in Cudahy for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Cudahy
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,382 |
| 3 years | $-5,257 |
| 5 years | $-5,132 |
| 7 years | $-5,007 |
| 9 years | $-4,881 |
| 11 years | $-4,756 |
| 13 years | $-4,631 |
| 15 years | $-4,506 |
| 17 years | $-4,381 |
| 19 years | $-4,256 |
| 21 years | $-4,131 |
| 23 years | $-4,006 |
| 25 years | $-3,880 |
Top Solar Installers in Cudahy
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Cudahy, therefore optimizing your ROI.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some in Cudahy:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Cudahy
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cudahy
For many Cudahy homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Cudahy, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,730. The type of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Cudahy to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. Though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Cudahy homeowners, they can also add to 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 last significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Cudahy, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Companies that 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 go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fit into 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $27,602 | 7.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $37,109 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $46,769 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $56,581 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $66,546 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $76,664 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $86,935 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $97,359 | 6.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Cudahy, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cudahy?
The average cost of solar panels in Cudahy is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key 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 keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,317.57 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases 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.