Solar Panel Cost Guide in Livonia, NY (Mar 2023)
- Livonia Solar Installation Cost: $9,623
- 25-Year Savings: $6,271
- Payback Period: 15.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Livonia
We go over average solar pricing in Livonia.
In Livonia, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. The average Livonia homeowner needs a 4.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,623 with the federal tax credit, or $13,761 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Despite the significant initial cost, the average Livonia homeowner can save about $13,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
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 Livonia
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,987 |
| 3 years | $-7,716 |
| 5 years | $-6,444 |
| 7 years | $-5,173 |
| 9 years | $-3,901 |
| 11 years | $-2,629 |
| 13 years | $-1,358 |
| 15 years | $-86 |
| 17 years | $1,185 |
| 19 years | $2,457 |
| 21 years | $3,728 |
| 23 years | $5,000 |
| 25 years | $6,271 |
Top Solar Installers in Livonia
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra effort and knowledge. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Livonia, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Livonia
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Livonia
The cost of installing a solar system in Livonia can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest 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
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,950. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Livonia have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Livonia is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs. The company's size can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of 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 names.
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 | $7,580 | 15.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $10,437 | 15.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $13,459 | 15.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $16,646 | 14.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $19,999 | 14.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $23,517 | 14.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $27,200 | 13.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $31,048 | 13.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on 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:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: When looking 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 have different brands and kinds of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: If you're worried about the endurance of your solar panels, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Livonia, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Livonia?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Livonia?
Most states have 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 electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs 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 household 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.