Solar Panel Cost Guide in Live Oak, TX (Feb 2023)
- Live Oak Solar Installation Cost: $14,104
- 25-Year Savings: $23,544
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Live Oak
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Live Oak.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Live Oak generally cost about $3. Using this figure, a typical 7.5 would cost about $14,104 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Live Oak can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Live Oak for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Live Oak
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,598 |
| 3 years | $-9,586 |
| 5 years | $-6,574 |
| 7 years | $-3,562 |
| 9 years | $-550 |
| 11 years | $2,461 |
| 13 years | $5,473 |
| 15 years | $8,485 |
| 17 years | $11,497 |
| 19 years | $14,509 |
| 21 years | $17,521 |
| 23 years | $20,532 |
| 25 years | $23,544 |
Top Solar Installers in Live Oak
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a licensed solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Live Oak
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Live Oak
The cost of installing a solar system in Live Oak can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a variety of factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need 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 $2,690. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at 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 raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Live Oak provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar panel system can play a role in determining how much you pay. Live Oak's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $2.80 | $11,750 | $18,395 | 9.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $24,828 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $31,412 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $38,146 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $45,031 | 9.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $52,067 | 8.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $59,253 | 8.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $66,590 | 8.4 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:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Live Oak, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Live Oak?
The average cost of solar panels in Live Oak is about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Live Oak?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Do solar panels increase the value of your home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
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 the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.