Solar Panel Cost Guide in Livingston, NY (2023 Update)
- Livingston Solar Installation Cost: $9,169
- 25-Year Savings: $9,074
- Payback Period: 12.6 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Livingston
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Livingston.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Livingston it's 2.95 per watt. The average Livingston homeowner needs a 4.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,169 with the federal tax credit, or $13,112 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Livingston depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
For a customized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Livingston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,108 |
| 3 years | $-8,986 |
| 5 years | $-8,864 |
| 7 years | $-8,743 |
| 9 years | $-8,621 |
| 11 years | $-8,500 |
| 13 years | $-8,378 |
| 15 years | $-8,256 |
| 17 years | $-8,135 |
| 19 years | $-8,013 |
| 21 years | $-7,892 |
| 23 years | $-7,770 |
| 25 years | $-7,648 |
Top Solar Installers in Livingston
Installing solar panels on your own can be a stressful project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Companies can also offer access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for your family.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Livingston:
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
There are several criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's crucial to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Livingston homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate 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 choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. The size of the company can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.07 | $12,886 | $11,767 | 13.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $16,020 | 12.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $20,438 | 12.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $25,021 | 12.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $29,769 | 12.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $34,683 | 11.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $39,762 | 11.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $45,006 | 11.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will impact not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the installation process.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panels, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
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, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Livingston?
The average cost of solar panels in Livingston is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Does Livingston have a net metering program?
The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Even 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to 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.