Solar Panel Cost Guide in West Livingston, TX (2023 Update)
- West 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 West Livingston
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in West Livingston.
The average cost of solar panels in West Livingston is 2.69 per watt. The average West 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.
These figures are just averages, and the cost of going solar for you may look different based on your energy needs and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in West Livingston can save around $19,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in West Livingston, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in West Livingston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,160 |
| 3 years | $-10,563 |
| 5 years | $-7,966 |
| 7 years | $-5,369 |
| 9 years | $-2,772 |
| 11 years | $-174 |
| 13 years | $2,423 |
| 15 years | $5,020 |
| 17 years | $7,617 |
| 19 years | $10,214 |
| 21 years | $12,811 |
| 23 years | $15,408 |
| 25 years | $18,006 |
Top Solar Installers in West Livingston
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The expertise that solar installers offer can be useful as well, particularly if you aren't sure what brand of solar equipment you need.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
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
For many West Livingston homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in West Livingston, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need for your household, 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. The brand and type of equipment you choose for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in West Livingston, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence your pricing. West Livingston's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within your budget.
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
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want plays a part in which installer 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
EcoWatch's West Livingston, TX Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in West Livingston?
The average cost of solar panels in West 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 certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,016.28 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a 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 account for 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.