Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union, KY (Feb 2023)
- Union Solar Installation Cost: $15,839
- 25-Year Savings: $20,545
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union
We go over average solar pricing in Union.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Union generally cost about $2. Since a 9.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Union, the average price of going solar will be about $15,839 before claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Union based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Union
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,384 |
| 3 years | $-11,473 |
| 5 years | $-8,563 |
| 7 years | $-5,652 |
| 9 years | $-2,741 |
| 11 years | $170 |
| 13 years | $3,080 |
| 15 years | $5,991 |
| 17 years | $8,902 |
| 19 years | $11,813 |
| 21 years | $14,724 |
| 23 years | $17,634 |
| 25 years | $20,545 |
Top Solar Installers in Union
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since installing solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, if you're not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar company can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a licensed solar company can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Union, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,340 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, like solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Union average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Union to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, almost every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact how much you pay. Union's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.43 | $10,221 | $12,357 | 11.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.39 | $13,366 | $16,739 | 11.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.34 | $16,380 | $21,251 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.29 | $19,263 | $25,894 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.25 | $22,015 | $30,669 | 10.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.20 | $24,636 | $35,574 | 10.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.15 | $27,125 | $40,610 | 10.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.11 | $29,484 | $45,778 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installation company you choose greatly impacts your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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?
The average cost of solar panels in Union is about $11,700 for a 5-kW system and $23,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Union, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 get 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.