Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union, KY (2024 Update)
- Union Solar Installation Cost: $24,703
- 25-Year Savings: $20,547
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Union.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Union typically cost around 4.Using this figure, a typical 9.7-kW system would cost about $24,703 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Union depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Union homeowner can save about $14,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Union for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Union
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-23,509 |
| 3 years | $-21,120 |
| 5 years | $-18,730 |
| 7 years | $-16,341 |
| 9 years | $-13,952 |
| 11 years | $-11,562 |
| 13 years | $-9,173 |
| 15 years | $-6,784 |
| 17 years | $-4,395 |
| 19 years | $-2,005 |
| 21 years | $384 |
| 23 years | $2,773 |
| 25 years | $5,162 |
Top Solar Installers in Union
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Because solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 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
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Union
The cost of installing a solar system in Union can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Union, one of the most crucial 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,650 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will substantially impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more expensive. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they decrease your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Union have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $6,635 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $9,256 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $12,081 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $15,110 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $18,344 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $21,782 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $25,425 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $29,272 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for 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 can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the durability of your solar panels, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
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 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, KY Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Union?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important thing to think about when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Union?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility 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?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.