Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union, MO (Mar 2023)
- Union Solar Installation Cost: $13,054
- 25-Year Savings: $17,954
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union
We go over average solar pricing in Union.
In Union, solar panels cost about 2.59 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Union is around 7.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,054 for a solar installation, or $18,667 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The actual price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Union depending on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. Despite the high initial cost, the average Union homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Union for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Union
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,813 |
| 3 years | $-9,333 |
| 5 years | $-6,852 |
| 7 years | $-4,371 |
| 9 years | $-1,891 |
| 11 years | $590 |
| 13 years | $3,070 |
| 15 years | $5,551 |
| 17 years | $8,032 |
| 19 years | $10,512 |
| 21 years | $12,993 |
| 23 years | $15,474 |
| 25 years | $17,954 |
Top Solar Installers in Union
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a dangerous project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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
For many Union homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Union, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system 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 largely based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,590 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Union homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. 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 how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Union, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Union have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $2.69 | $11,313 | $14,544 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $19,682 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $24,965 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $30,393 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $35,966 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $41,684 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $47,547 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $53,555 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with will impact 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 several important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can research your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- 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 need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
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, MO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Union?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 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 consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for 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.
Do solar panels increase your property 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 $166,900, so you can look forward to a value of about $6,843 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Union is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 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.