Solar Panel Cost Guide in Live Oak, FL (2024 Update)
- Live Oak Solar Installation Cost: $12,957
- 25-Year Savings: $22,215
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Live Oak
We go over average solar pricing in Live Oak.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Live Oak generally cost around 3.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Live Oak, most homeowners require a 5.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $12,957, or $18,529 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Live Oak based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Live Oak see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
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Solar savings over time in Live Oak
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,584 |
| 3 years | $-8,836 |
| 5 years | $-6,089 |
| 7 years | $-3,342 |
| 9 years | $-595 |
| 11 years | $2,153 |
| 13 years | $4,900 |
| 15 years | $7,647 |
| 17 years | $10,394 |
| 19 years | $13,142 |
| 21 years | $15,889 |
| 23 years | $18,636 |
| 25 years | $21,383 |
Top Solar Installers in Live Oak
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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
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
The cost of installing a solar system in Live Oak can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The largest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 $3,210. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Live Oak, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular choice because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it’s vital to take that into consideration as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Live Oak, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.34 | $14,021 | $19,719 | 10.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.27 | $18,336 | $26,652 | 10.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.21 | $22,470 | $33,764 | 10.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.15 | $26,425 | $41,056 | 9.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.08 | $30,200 | $48,528 | 9.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.02 | $33,795 | $56,180 | 9.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.95 | $37,210 | $64,011 | 9.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.89 | $40,446 | $72,022 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose considerably influences your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
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
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, FL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Live Oak?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Live Oak, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate 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 should I get 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 house 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.