Solar Panel Cost Guide in Livingston, NJ (2023 Update)
- Livingston Solar Installation Cost: $9,171
- 25-Year Savings: $7,846
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Livingston
Here's how much it might cost to go solar in Livingston.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Livingston, the average cost of solar panels is 2.77 per watt. The average Livingston homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,171 with the federal tax credit, or $13,115 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. Even with the high initial cost, the average Livingston homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Livingston for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Livingston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,491 |
| 3 years | $-7,129 |
| 5 years | $-5,768 |
| 7 years | $-4,407 |
| 9 years | $-3,045 |
| 11 years | $-1,684 |
| 13 years | $-323 |
| 15 years | $1,039 |
| 17 years | $2,400 |
| 19 years | $3,761 |
| 21 years | $5,123 |
| 23 years | $6,484 |
| 25 years | $7,846 |
Top Solar Installers in Livingston
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some nearby:
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 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 numerous factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have 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 $2,770. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Livingston to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices over time because of interest. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Livingston homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to solar energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Livingston, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $9,479 | 14.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $12,949 | 13.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $16,574 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $20,354 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $24,289 | 12.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $28,380 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $32,625 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $37,026 | 12.1 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 select the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
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 Livingston, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Livingston?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with 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 bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
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 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.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.