Solar Panel Cost Guide in Live Oak, FL (2023 Update)
- Live Oak Solar Installation Cost: $10,212
- 25-Year Savings: $22,215
- Payback Period: 7.9 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Live Oak
We break down average solar pricing in Live Oak.
In Live Oak, solar panels cost about 2.53 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 5.8-kW system would cost about $10,219 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Live Oak see about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Live Oak
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,839 |
| 3 years | $-6,091 |
| 5 years | $-3,344 |
| 7 years | $-597 |
| 9 years | $2,150 |
| 11 years | $4,897 |
| 13 years | $7,645 |
| 15 years | $10,392 |
| 17 years | $13,139 |
| 19 years | $15,886 |
| 21 years | $18,634 |
| 23 years | $21,381 |
| 25 years | $24,128 |
Top Solar Installers in Live Oak
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Live Oak
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Live Oak
The cost of installing a solar system in Live Oak can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Live Oak, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,530 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and type 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Live Oak, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $2.63 | $11,051 | $22,689 | 8.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.58 | $14,451 | $30,536 | 8.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.53 | $17,710 | $38,524 | 7.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.48 | $20,827 | $46,654 | 7.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.43 | $23,802 | $54,925 | 7.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.38 | $26,636 | $63,339 | 7.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.33 | $29,328 | $71,894 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.28 | $31,878 | $80,590 | 7.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the longevity of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Live Oak, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Live Oak?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,650 for a 5-kW system and $25,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Live Oak?
A solar panel system isn't free in Live Oak, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
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 $1,124.68 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Though 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 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.