Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union, MI (2024 Update)
- Union Solar Installation Cost: $17,523
- 25-Year Savings: $21,561
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Union.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Union generally cost about 4.The average Union homeowner needs a 6.2-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,523 with the federal tax credit, or $25,058 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Union homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $21,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Union
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,269 |
| 3 years | $-13,762 |
| 5 years | $-11,254 |
| 7 years | $-8,747 |
| 9 years | $-6,240 |
| 11 years | $-3,732 |
| 13 years | $-1,225 |
| 15 years | $1,283 |
| 17 years | $3,790 |
| 19 years | $6,297 |
| 21 years | $8,805 |
| 23 years | $11,312 |
| 25 years | $13,819 |
Top Solar Installers in Union
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since figuring out how to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can shorten it. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Union, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Union
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Union
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Union: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $4,060. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost 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. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, add-on 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 too costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time because of interest.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you hire to handle your switch to sustainable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Union, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $15,049 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $20,520 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $26,218 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $32,144 | 12.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $38,297 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $44,677 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $51,285 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $58,120 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
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
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Union, MI 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 few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Union?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Union. 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.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
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 is currently $383,016, which means you can expect a value of about $15,704 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Union is a fruitful investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.