Solar Panel Cost Guide in Live Oak, CA (2024 Update)
- Live Oak Solar Installation Cost: $7,464
- 25-Year Savings: $20,459
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Live Oak
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Live Oak.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Live Oak, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Live Oak is around 3.1 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $7,464 for a solar installation, or $10,674 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Live Oak homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Live Oak see about $33,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Live Oak for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Live Oak
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-5,926 |
| 3 years | $-2,850 |
| 5 years | $226 |
| 7 years | $3,302 |
| 9 years | $6,378 |
| 11 years | $9,453 |
| 13 years | $12,529 |
| 15 years | $15,605 |
| 17 years | $18,681 |
| 19 years | $21,757 |
| 21 years | $24,832 |
| 23 years | $27,908 |
| 25 years | $30,984 |
Top Solar Installers in Live Oak
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels on your own can be a lot of work. Some solar companies, particularly local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Live Oak, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Live Oak
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Live Oak
For many Live Oak homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Live Oak, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,470. The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Live Oak, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.61 | $15,157 | $36,259 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $48,734 | 7.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $61,403 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $74,267 | 6.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $87,325 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $100,577 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $114,024 | 6.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $127,665 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Live Oak, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Live Oak, CA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Live Oak?
The average cost of solar panels in Live Oak is about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 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 use.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Live Oak?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Live Oak?
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 level 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.