Solar Panel Cost Guide in Live Oak, TX (2024 Update)
- Live Oak Solar Installation Cost: $17,467
- 25-Year Savings: $23,538
- Payback Period: 11.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Live Oak
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Live Oak.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Live Oak, the average cost of solar panels is 3 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 7.5-kW system would cost about $17,467 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary depending on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average Live Oak homeowners see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Live Oak
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,098 |
| 3 years | $-13,361 |
| 5 years | $-10,624 |
| 7 years | $-7,887 |
| 9 years | $-5,150 |
| 11 years | $-2,413 |
| 13 years | $324 |
| 15 years | $3,061 |
| 17 years | $5,798 |
| 19 years | $8,535 |
| 21 years | $11,272 |
| 23 years | $14,009 |
| 25 years | $16,746 |
Top Solar Installers in Live Oak
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar company can make swapping over to solar power much easier. Another upside of working with a solar company is that they can help you maximize your return of investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements due to warranties and informing you of local incentives you can take advantage of.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Live Oak:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Live Oak
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Live Oak
Although the average cost of a solar system in Live Oak is $17,467, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $3,330. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Live Oak average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Live Oak to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Live Oak homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can influence how much it costs. Live Oak’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.46 | $14,545 | $15,600 | 12.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $21,173 | 11.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $26,932 | 11.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $32,878 | 11.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $39,010 | 11.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $45,329 | 10.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $51,834 | 10.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $58,526 | 10.4 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 durability and efficiency, 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: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Live Oak, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Live Oak?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Live Oak?
Solar panels aren’t free in Live Oak, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Live Oak is currently $261,359, so you can expect a value of about $10,716 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Live Oak is a fruitful investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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.
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.