Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cutler, CA (2023 Update)
- Cutler Solar Installation Cost: $5,657
- 25-Year Savings: $16,893
- Payback Period: 6.3 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Cutler
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Cutler.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Cutler, the average cost of solar panels is 2.73 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $5,657 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Cutler homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Cutler homeowners see about $29,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Cutler for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Cutler
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,755 |
| 3 years | $-2,951 |
| 5 years | $-1,147 |
| 7 years | $657 |
| 9 years | $2,461 |
| 11 years | $4,265 |
| 13 years | $6,069 |
| 15 years | $7,873 |
| 17 years | $9,677 |
| 19 years | $11,481 |
| 21 years | $13,285 |
| 23 years | $15,089 |
| 25 years | $16,893 |
Top Solar Installers in Cutler
Putting up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for you.
If you'd like to switch to solar energy but still aren't sure which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Cutler
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Cutler
The cost of installing a solar system in Cutler can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,730. The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Cutler average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Cutler offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining your pricing. Cutler's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits 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 | $2.84 | $11,925 | $33,803 | 6.5 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $45,377 | 6.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $57,103 | 6.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $68,983 | 6.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $81,015 | 6.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $93,200 | 5.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $105,538 | 5.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $118,029 | 5.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installer you choose greatly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and energy needs. Even though 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 take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Cutler, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Cutler?
The average cost of solar panels in Cutler is about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Cutler?
You can't get solar panels for free in Cutler. 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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Cutler?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.