Solar Panel Cost Guide in Cut Off, LA (2023 Update)
- Cut Off Solar Installation Cost: $17,774
- 25-Year Savings: $20,829
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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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 2.57 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Cut Off is around 9.9 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,774 for a solar installation, or $25,417 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Cut Off depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Cut Off
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,230 |
| 3 years | $-13,142 |
| 5 years | $-10,054 |
| 7 years | $-6,965 |
| 9 years | $-3,877 |
| 11 years | $-789 |
| 13 years | $2,299 |
| 15 years | $5,388 |
| 17 years | $8,476 |
| 19 years | $11,564 |
| 21 years | $14,652 |
| 23 years | $17,740 |
| 25 years | $20,829 |
Top Solar Installers in Cut Off
Installing solar panels yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your home.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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
There are many criteria that can play into your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,570. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Cut Off homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. It's a good idea to factor the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Cut Off is the company you get to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, you'll have many options for solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $2.67 | $11,226 | $12,225 | 12.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $16,588 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $21,095 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $25,746 | 11.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $30,540 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $35,479 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $40,561 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $45,788 | 10.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose significantly impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- 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 type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
- 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 the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 good reviews from past customers.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Cut Off is about $12,850 for a 5-kW system and $25,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Cut Off?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Is going solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.