Solar Panel Cost Guide in Livingston, MT (2025 Update)
- Livingston Solar Installation Cost: $39,849
- 25-Year Savings: $23,786
- Payback Period: 18.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Livingston
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is in Livingston.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Livingston it’s 3 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Livingston is around 16.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $39,849 for a solar installation, or $56,984 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Livingston for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Livingston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-38,576 |
| 3 years | $-36,031 |
| 5 years | $-33,486 |
| 7 years | $-30,941 |
| 9 years | $-28,396 |
| 11 years | $-25,851 |
| 13 years | $-23,305 |
| 15 years | $-20,760 |
| 17 years | $-18,215 |
| 19 years | $-15,670 |
| 21 years | $-13,125 |
| 23 years | $-10,580 |
| 25 years | $-8,035 |
Top Solar Installers in Livingston
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and know-how. Because of that, the majority of homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another great thing about using a reputable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Livingston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Livingston
For many Livingston homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Livingston, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,470 per kilowatt in Livingston.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Livingston, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Livingston provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Livingston is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $3.61 | $15,157 | $4,210 | 19.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.54 | $19,821 | $6,002 | 19.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.47 | $24,290 | $7,989 | 18.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.40 | $28,565 | $10,169 | 18.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.33 | $32,646 | $12,545 | 18.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.26 | $36,532 | $15,114 | 17.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.19 | $40,224 | $17,878 | 17.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.12 | $43,722 | $20,836 | 16.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: When looking through 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 such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels 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 indication of a quality company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. While there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of options before deciding.
EcoWatch's Livingston, MT Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Livingston?
The average cost of solar panels in Livingston 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 it better to lease or buy solar panels in Livingston?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.