Solar Panel Cost Guide in Livingston, CA (2023 Update)
- Livingston Solar Installation Cost: $5,657
- 25-Year Savings: $19,226
- Payback Period: 5.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Livingston
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Livingston.
In Livingston, solar panels cost about 2.73 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $5,657 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. With typical savings of about $32,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Livingston find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Livingston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-4,661 |
| 3 years | $-2,671 |
| 5 years | $-680 |
| 7 years | $1,310 |
| 9 years | $3,301 |
| 11 years | $5,292 |
| 13 years | $7,282 |
| 15 years | $9,273 |
| 17 years | $11,263 |
| 19 years | $13,254 |
| 21 years | $15,245 |
| 23 years | $17,235 |
| 25 years | $19,226 |
Top Solar Installers in Livingston
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons almost all homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Plus, if you're not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 Livingston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Livingston
The cost of installing a solar system in Livingston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels 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 around $2,730 per kilowatt in Livingston. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater 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 too expensive, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Livingston's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
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 | $38,460 | 5.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.78 | $15,594 | $51,586 | 5.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.73 | $19,110 | $64,865 | 5.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.68 | $22,473 | $78,296 | 5.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.62 | $25,684 | $91,881 | 5.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.57 | $28,741 | $105,618 | 5.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.51 | $31,646 | $119,508 | 5.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.46 | $34,398 | $133,552 | 5.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and 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.
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 Livingston, CA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Livingston?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,650 for a 5-kW system and $27,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Livingston?
A solar panel system isn't free in Livingston, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Livingston?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces 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 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 are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having 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.