Solar Panel Cost Guide in Livingston, TX (2023 Update)
- Livingston Solar Installation Cost: $14,459
- 25-Year Savings: $24,559
- Payback Period: 9.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Livingston
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Livingston.
The average cost of solar panels in Livingston is 2.69 per watt. The average Livingston homeowner needs a 7.7-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,461 with the federal tax credit, or $20,679 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Livingston based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $19,000 over 20 years on energy bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company 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 | $-14,329 |
| 3 years | $-14,068 |
| 5 years | $-13,808 |
| 7 years | $-13,548 |
| 9 years | $-13,288 |
| 11 years | $-13,028 |
| 13 years | $-12,768 |
| 15 years | $-12,508 |
| 17 years | $-12,248 |
| 19 years | $-11,987 |
| 21 years | $-11,727 |
| 23 years | $-11,467 |
| 25 years | $-11,207 |
Top Solar Installers in Livingston
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it requires extra effort and know-how. That's why most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Companies can also have access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for you.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Livingston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Livingston
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that determine your overall cost in Livingston: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Livingston, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,690 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when searching for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Livingston have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Livingston, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric car 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 | $18,738 | 9.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $25,286 | 9.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $31,984 | 9.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $38,832 | 9.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $45,832 | 8.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $52,982 | 8.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $60,282 | 8.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $67,734 | 8.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Livingston, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you want plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies provide different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system's energy production.
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 Livingston, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Livingston?
The average cost of solar panels in Livingston 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 use.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Solar panels can be a great investment for a majority of homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your electricity bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 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 get 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.