Solar Panel Cost Guide in Livingston, TN (2024 Update)
- Livingston Solar Installation Cost: $20,413
- 25-Year Savings: $8,928
- Payback Period: 22.1 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Livingston
We break down average solar pricing in Livingston.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Livingston, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Livingston, most homeowners require a 8.1-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $20,413, or $29,191 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will look different based on your energy needs and what company you choose to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Livingston homeowners see about $11,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Livingston that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Livingston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-20,413 |
| 3 years | $-20,413 |
| 5 years | $-20,413 |
| 7 years | $-20,413 |
| 9 years | $-20,413 |
| 11 years | $-20,413 |
| 13 years | $-20,413 |
| 15 years | $-20,413 |
| 17 years | $-20,413 |
| 19 years | $-20,413 |
| 21 years | $-20,413 |
| 23 years | $-20,413 |
| 25 years | $-20,413 |
Top Solar Installers in Livingston
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar company can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar installers provide key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Livingston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Livingston
For many Livingston homeowners, the decision to go solar depends 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 several factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different 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 increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,580.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Livingston have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.72 | $15,637 | $1,397 | 22.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $2,264 | 22.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $3,331 | 22.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $4,598 | 21.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $6,066 | 21.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $7,735 | 20.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $9,604 | 20.3 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $11,673 | 19.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects 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:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have different brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Livingston, TN Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Livingston?
The average cost of solar panels in Livingston is about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider aside from 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.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Livingston is currently $216,835, which means you can look forward to a value of about $8,890 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Livingston is a rewarding investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires 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 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.