Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union Springs, AL (2023 Update)
- Union Springs Solar Installation Cost: $15,006
- 25-Year Savings: $33,187
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union Springs
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Union Springs.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Union Springs typically cost around 2.45. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Union Springs, most homeowners require a 8.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,006, or $21,459 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Union Springs homeowner can save around $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
To get a free estimate from a highly rated solar installation company in Union Springs, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Union Springs
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,079 |
| 3 years | $-9,223 |
| 5 years | $-5,368 |
| 7 years | $-1,512 |
| 9 years | $2,343 |
| 11 years | $6,199 |
| 13 years | $10,054 |
| 15 years | $13,910 |
| 17 years | $17,765 |
| 19 years | $21,620 |
| 21 years | $25,476 |
| 23 years | $29,331 |
| 25 years | $33,187 |
Top Solar Installers in Union Springs
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners prefer to use a solar installer since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Union Springs, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Union Springs
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Union Springs
The cost of installing a solar system in Union Springs can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Union Springs, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $2,450 for each additional kilowatt you need. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Union Springs, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Union Springs homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Union Springs' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on 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 | $2.55 | $10,702 | $22,347 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.50 | $13,994 | $30,071 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.45 | $17,150 | $37,932 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.40 | $20,168 | $45,930 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.35 | $23,050 | $54,065 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.30 | $25,794 | $62,337 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.25 | $28,400 | $70,747 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.21 | $30,870 | $79,293 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should take into account, including:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions 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.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Union Springs, AL Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Union Springs?
The average cost of solar panels in Union Springs is about $12,250 for a 5-kW system and $24,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Union Springs?
You can't get solar panels for free in Union Springs. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Union Springs is currently $72,100, which means you can expect a value of about $2,956 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Union Springs is a worthwhile investment.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 install between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.