Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union, NJ (2024 Update)
- Union Solar Installation Cost: $11,528
- 25-Year Savings: $7,971
- Payback Period: 16.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union
Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Union.
The average cost of a solar system in Union is 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Union, most homeowners require a 4.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $11,528, or $16,485 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar power is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $14,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Union
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,469 |
| 3 years | $-8,351 |
| 5 years | $-6,232 |
| 7 years | $-4,114 |
| 9 years | $-1,996 |
| 11 years | $123 |
| 13 years | $2,241 |
| 15 years | $4,360 |
| 17 years | $6,478 |
| 19 years | $8,596 |
| 21 years | $10,715 |
| 23 years | $12,833 |
| 25 years | $14,952 |
Top Solar Installers in Union
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a difficult project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you go with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your initial investment.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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 most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels 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 primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,530 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more pricey. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to think about 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
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Union to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to higher prices over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you choose will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.67 | $15,419 | $6,466 | 17.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.60 | $20,163 | $9,016 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.53 | $24,710 | $11,764 | 16.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.46 | $29,059 | $14,710 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.39 | $33,210 | $17,854 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.32 | $37,164 | $21,195 | 15.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.25 | $40,920 | $24,734 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.18 | $44,478 | $28,471 | 15.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in Union, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good 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 certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
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 Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Union, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Union?
The average cost of solar panels in Union is about $17,650 for a 5-kW system and $35,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Union?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it commonly comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down 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.