Solar Panel Cost Guide in Live Oak, TX (2023 Update)
- Live Oak Solar Installation Cost: $14,110
- 25-Year Savings: $23,538
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Live Oak
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Live Oak.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Live Oak it's 2.69 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Live Oak, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,104, or $20,169 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Live Oak depending on a few factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. Even with the high upfront cost, the average Live Oak homeowner can save about $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a 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 | $-12,741 |
| 3 years | $-10,004 |
| 5 years | $-7,267 |
| 7 years | $-4,530 |
| 9 years | $-1,793 |
| 11 years | $944 |
| 13 years | $3,681 |
| 15 years | $6,418 |
| 17 years | $9,155 |
| 19 years | $11,892 |
| 21 years | $14,629 |
| 23 years | $17,366 |
| 25 years | $20,103 |
Top Solar Installers in Live Oak
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since handling can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels 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
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 determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel 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, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,690. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Live Oak offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system. It's wise to factor 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 the amount of time it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you choose will affect your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 numerous companies available in Live Oak, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's important to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
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
EcoWatch's Live Oak, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install 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 real cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Live Oak?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will installing solar panels impact my home value?
Solar panels can increase your property's value remarkably 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 long do solar panels last in Live Oak?
Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having 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.