Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union City, GA (2024 Update)
- Union City Solar Installation Cost: $17,801
- 25-Year Savings: $20,642
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union City
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Union City.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Union City, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 6.8-kW system would cost about $17,801 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Union City can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
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 City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,208 |
| 3 years | $-13,022 |
| 5 years | $-9,835 |
| 7 years | $-6,649 |
| 9 years | $-3,462 |
| 11 years | $-276 |
| 13 years | $2,911 |
| 15 years | $6,097 |
| 17 years | $9,284 |
| 19 years | $12,470 |
| 21 years | $15,656 |
| 23 years | $18,843 |
| 25 years | $22,029 |
Top Solar Installers in Union City
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to hire a solar company since installing solar panels yourself can be a challenging project. Since solar panels are exposed to rain, snow, hail and wind, depending on the climate, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Union City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Union City
There are several factors that can affect your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, 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 around $3,740. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Union City to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in paying more over time because of interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you select will play a role in your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into 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 | $3.89 | $16,336 | $12,588 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $17,203 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $22,027 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $27,061 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $32,304 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $37,757 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $43,419 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $49,290 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: Well-established companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer in regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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 Union City, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Union City?
The average cost of solar panels in Union City is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Union City?
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 home 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 will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase your home value significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
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 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 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.