Solar Panel Cost Guide in Live Oak, FL (2024 Update)

  • Live Oak Solar Installation Cost: $12,957
  • 25-Year Savings: $22,215
  • Payback Period: 10.0 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

We go over average solar pricing in Live Oak.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Live Oak generally cost about 3.The average Live Oak homeowner needs a 5.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $12,957 with the federal tax credit, or $18,529 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find installing a solar system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Live Oak can save around $21,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Live Oak

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,584
3 years $-8,836
5 years $-6,089
7 years $-3,342
9 years $-595
11 years $2,153
13 years $4,900
15 years $7,647
17 years $10,394
19 years $13,142
21 years $15,889
23 years $18,636
25 years $21,383

Top Solar Installers in Live Oak

Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be challenging. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.

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

★★★★★
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

Although the average cost of a solar system in Live Oak is $12,957, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,210 per kilowatt in Live Oak.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Live Oak, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar companies in Live Oak have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system.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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you choose will impact your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra 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 $3.34 $14,021 $19,719 10.4 years
8 kW $3.27 $18,336 $26,652 10.2 years
10 kW $3.21 $22,470 $33,764 10.0 years
12 kW $3.15 $26,425 $41,056 9.8 years
14 kW $3.08 $30,200 $48,528 9.6 years
16 kW $3.02 $33,795 $56,180 9.4 years
18 kW $2.95 $37,210 $64,011 9.2 years
20 kW $2.89 $40,446 $72,022 9.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.

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, FL 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 $16,050 for a 5-kW system and $32,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

What other factors should I consider in addition to cost when buying solar panels?

The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.

How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located 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 $1,124.68 per year.

What solar power system size is right for my home?

To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.

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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