Solar Panel Cost Guide in Livingston, NJ (2024 Update)
- Livingston Solar Installation Cost: $11,692
- 25-Year Savings: $7,842
- Payback Period: 17.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Livingston
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Livingston.
In Livingston, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Since a 4.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Livingston, the average price of going solar will be about $11,692 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Livingston homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.With typical savings of about $14,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Livingston find installing solar panels can pay off big.
For a personalized quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Livingston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,633 |
| 3 years | $-8,514 |
| 5 years | $-6,396 |
| 7 years | $-4,278 |
| 9 years | $-2,159 |
| 11 years | $-41 |
| 13 years | $2,078 |
| 15 years | $4,196 |
| 17 years | $6,314 |
| 19 years | $8,433 |
| 21 years | $10,551 |
| 23 years | $12,670 |
| 25 years | $14,788 |
Top Solar Installers in Livingston
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Another good thing about going with a reliable solar installer is that it'll usually provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Livingston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Livingston
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Livingston is $11,692, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels 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 mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Livingston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Livingston to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Livingston is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services at different costs.Companies that only sell high-efficiency and high-priced 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 choose a company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also is 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 | $3.67 | $15,419 | $6,159 | 17.9 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $8,608 | 17.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,254 | 17.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $14,098 | 16.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $17,139 | 16.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $20,378 | 16.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $23,815 | 15.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $27,450 | 15.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: It’s important to look over your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it’s necessary to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panels running for a long time and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Livingston, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Livingston?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Livingston?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Livingston have a net metering program?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 buy 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.