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 cover 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 just averages, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on your energy needs and what company you want to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in West Livingston see about $19,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company 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
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to use a solar company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
For many West Livingston homeowners, the decision to install solar panels comes down to 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 numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,330.The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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
Most solar installers in West Livingston provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in West Livingston is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Additionally, some companies in West Livingston know more about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, 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
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you’re considering has it.
- Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
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?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $16,650 for a 5-kW system and $33,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in West Livingston?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Does West Livingston have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future power bills.
How long do solar panels last in West Livingston?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.