Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Livingston, TX (2024 Update)
- West 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 West Livingston
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in West Livingston.
In West Livingston, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in West Livingston, most homeowners require a 7.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,899, or $25,596 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and the cost of going solar for you may differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in West Livingston can save about $19,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West 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 West Livingston
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Because solar panels are exposed to temperature swings and extreme weather, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 West Livingston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in West Livingston
The cost of installing a solar system in West Livingston can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,330. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to make decisions 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 researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in West Livingston, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panels can affect the cost. West Livingston’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
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:
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though 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 peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- 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 what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- 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 West Livingston, TX Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in West Livingston?
The average cost of solar panels in West Livingston 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 stuff like the model 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 West Livingston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t 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 home 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in West Livingston?
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 offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
How long do solar panels last in West Livingston?
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 how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide 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.