Solar Panel Cost Guide in Livingston, CA (2024 Update)

  • Livingston Solar Installation Cost: $7,197
  • 25-Year Savings: $19,220
  • Payback Period: 7.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Livingston

We go over average solar pricing in Livingston.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Livingston it’s 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 3.0-kW system would cost about $7,197 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Livingston homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $32,000 over 20 years on power bills.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Livingston

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-5,659
3 years $-2,584
5 years $492
7 years $3,568
9 years $6,644
11 years $9,720
13 years $12,795
15 years $15,871
17 years $18,947
19 years $22,023
21 years $25,099
23 years $28,174
25 years $31,250

Top Solar Installers in Livingston

DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with an installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by assisting with any local incentives you can take advantage of and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Livingston

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Livingston

There are several factors that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few 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 production use 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 $3,470.The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a 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 can expect 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 increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Livingston to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Livingston is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in Livingston are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 $3.61 $15,157 $35,228 7.5 years
8 kW $3.54 $19,821 $47,359 7.4 years
10 kW $3.47 $24,290 $59,685 7.2 years
12 kW $3.40 $28,565 $72,205 7.1 years
14 kW $3.33 $32,646 $84,919 6.9 years
16 kW $3.26 $36,532 $97,827 6.8 years
18 kW $3.19 $40,224 $110,930 6.7 years
20 kW $3.12 $43,722 $124,228 6.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
  • Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you 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 the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Livingston, CA Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Livingston?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,350 for a 5-kW system and $34,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Livingston?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Livingston. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

Can solar panels significantly reduce my electricity bills?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Livingston, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How many solar panels do I need to power my home?

To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.

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