Tesla claims its solar panels are now 30% less expensive, before the federal tax credit

Tesla says it now offers the lowest-ever cost to go solar in the United States. The company introduced — what it calls — a “lowest-price guarantee”.

Tesla announced that its average system size is now one-third less expensive than the industry average

The company says it is able to offer guaranteed low prices on residential rooftop solar after making several simple improvements to a decades-old industry process, and panel technology. Adding that it built a new software that improves the experience of going solar.

That its internal software platform now automates solar panel placement for energy optimization on a roof, significantly reducing the time needed to design a new system.

That it made the ordering and installing of solar easy by moving to fixed sizes that customers can order with a single click online. This saves time spent with consultations reviewing old utility bills.

Tesla’s customers can order standard sizes recommended by its website directly, cutting down on sales and marketing costs by 64 percent.

The new pricing claim is based on a Q1 2020 report from SEIA that places the average residential solar at $2.83 per watt.

According to Electrek, Tesla’s Small System will cost $2.44 per watt, the Medium System will cost $1.95 per watt, and Large and Extra Large Systems will cost $1.93 per watt and $1.84 per watt respectively. All these new prices are calculated before taking the federal tax credit into account.

Tesla says the savings will vary based on state laws and local utility rates.

With the new pricing, an average customer buying a large system in California will make their money back in only six years, ultimately making an average of $88,000 over the system’s lifetime.

In New Mexico, that same system will make an average of $55,000 over its lifetime and in Vermont, $47,000.

Tesla is also offering a low-cost subscription solar for a fixed monthly payment in six states that is cancelable at any time.

Under the guarantee, Tesla will uninstall and issue a full refund within seven days (of turning the system on) for customers who change their minds or are unhappy with the system.