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

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Live Oak

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Live Oak.

The average cost of a solar system in Live Oak is 3 per watt.To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Live Oak, most homeowners require a 7.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,467, or $24,978 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Live Oak can save around $19,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Live Oak that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

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

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels on your own can be time-consuming. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Live Oak:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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

While the average cost of a solar system in Live Oak is $17,467, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The model of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are available from most installers in Live Oak, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Live Oak, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to more 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 $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

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • 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 timeline.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should go with, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • 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 $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 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 use.

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 affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.

How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

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% with a solar installation."

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.

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