Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union, NY (2024 Update)
- Union Solar Installation Cost: $11,857
- 25-Year Savings: $4,804
- Payback Period: 20.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Union.
The average cost of a solar system in Union is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Union, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,857, or $16,956 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Union based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on power bills.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Union
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,031 |
| 3 years | $-9,380 |
| 5 years | $-7,728 |
| 7 years | $-6,076 |
| 9 years | $-4,424 |
| 11 years | $-2,772 |
| 13 years | $-1,120 |
| 15 years | $531 |
| 17 years | $2,183 |
| 19 years | $3,835 |
| 21 years | $5,487 |
| 23 years | $7,139 |
| 25 years | $8,791 |
Top Solar Installers in Union
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and handiness. For that reason, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar installer can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by providing warranties, repairs and part replacements.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Union, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Union
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Union
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Union is $11,857, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need to offset your energy usage, 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 about $3,650. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Union to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Union homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Union, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $2,658 | 21.4 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $3,953 | 21.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $5,452 | 20.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $7,155 | 20.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $9,063 | 19.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $11,176 | 19.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $13,492 | 19.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $16,014 | 18.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer various brands and types of panels. If you prefer a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
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 Union, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Union?
The average cost of solar panels in Union is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Union?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $620.04 per year.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.