Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sunset, LA (2023 Update)
- Sunset Solar Installation Cost: $17,864
- 25-Year Savings: $22,992
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sunset
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Sunset.
In Sunset, solar panels cost about 2.57 per watt on average. The average Sunset homeowner needs a 9.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,864 with the federal tax credit, or $25,546 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average homeowners in Sunset see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a highly rated solar installer in Sunset, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sunset
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,230 |
| 3 years | $-12,961 |
| 5 years | $-9,693 |
| 7 years | $-6,424 |
| 9 years | $-3,156 |
| 11 years | $113 |
| 13 years | $3,381 |
| 15 years | $6,650 |
| 17 years | $9,918 |
| 19 years | $13,187 |
| 21 years | $16,455 |
| 23 years | $19,724 |
| 25 years | $22,992 |
Top Solar Installers in Sunset
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar company since handling can be a difficult project. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be best for you.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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 Sunset
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sunset
While the average cost of a solar system in Sunset is $17,864, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,570 per kilowatt in Sunset. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Sunset provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Sunset homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Sunset is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Sunset are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $2.67 | $11,226 | $13,466 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.62 | $14,680 | $18,243 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.57 | $17,990 | $23,163 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.52 | $21,156 | $28,227 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.47 | $24,179 | $33,436 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.42 | $27,057 | $38,788 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,791 | $44,284 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.31 | $32,382 | $49,924 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Sunset, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- 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 installation process.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Sunset, LA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Sunset?
The average cost of solar panels in Sunset 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located 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 $823.06 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.