Solar Panel Cost Guide in Livingston, TX (2024 Update)
- Livingston Solar Installation Cost: $17,899
- 25-Year Savings: $24,559
- Payback Period: 11.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Livingston
We go over average solar pricing in Livingston.
In Livingston, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 7.7-kW system would cost about $17,899 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Livingston depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Livingston can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a top solar installer in Livingston, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Livingston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,600 |
| 3 years | $-14,003 |
| 5 years | $-11,406 |
| 7 years | $-8,809 |
| 9 years | $-6,211 |
| 11 years | $-3,614 |
| 13 years | $-1,017 |
| 15 years | $1,580 |
| 17 years | $4,177 |
| 19 years | $6,774 |
| 21 years | $9,371 |
| 23 years | $11,968 |
| 25 years | $14,566 |
Top Solar Installers in Livingston
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Livingston, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Livingston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Livingston
The cost of installing a solar system in Livingston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by 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 company you choose.
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 primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,330 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.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 can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies in Livingston, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Livingston are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $15,943 | 11.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.40 | $19,021 | $21,630 | 11.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.33 | $23,310 | $27,504 | 11.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.26 | $27,413 | $33,564 | 11.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.20 | $31,329 | $39,811 | 11.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.13 | $35,058 | $46,244 | 10.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.06 | $38,601 | $52,863 | 10.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.00 | $41,958 | $59,670 | 10.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar energy, it’s essential to maintain an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies provide different panels.
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 Livingston, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Livingston?
The average cost of solar panels in Livingston is about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 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.
Can you get solar panels for free in Livingston?
Solar panels aren’t free in Livingston, 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.
Does Livingston have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How long do solar panels last in Livingston?
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 once you've had 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.