Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union City, NJ (Jul 2022)
- Union City Solar Installation Cost: $9,429
- 25-Year Savings: $8,421
- Payback Period: 13.2 Years
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Updated 6/24/2022
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union City
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Union City.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Union City typically cost around $3. The average solar panel system size in Union City is around 4.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $9,429 for a solar installation, or $6,977 after the federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Union City see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Union City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,715 |
| 3 years | $-7,287 |
| 5 years | $-5,859 |
| 7 years | $-4,431 |
| 9 years | $-3,003 |
| 11 years | $-1,575 |
| 13 years | $-147 |
| 15 years | $1,281 |
| 17 years | $2,709 |
| 19 years | $4,137 |
| 21 years | $5,565 |
| 23 years | $6,993 |
| 25 years | $8,421 |
Top Solar Installers in Union City
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since figuring out how to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy use, but going with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
4.5
Great warranty coverage- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
-
Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
- 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 City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Union City
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Union City: 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 Size
Size is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use. The brand of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will substantially influence costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions 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's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are available from most installers in Union City, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible. 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Union City, you'll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,791 | $10,485 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $16,726 | $14,307 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $20,498 | $18,294 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $24,106 | $22,445 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $27,549 | $26,760 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $30,829 | $31,239 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $33,945 | $35,882 | 12.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $36,896 | $40,688 | 11.9 years |
Solar Incentives in Union City
| Name | NJ Clean Energy- Residential New Construction Program |
| Incentive Amount | Incentives depend on the HERS score and the classification Single family homes: Ranges from $1,125 to - 24,250 Multi-single homes: Ranges from $1,125 to $18,188 Multifamily homes: Ranges from $625-$12,125 |
| Incentive Max | Multifamily: up to $12,125 Individual homes: up to $24,250 |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Property Tax Exemption for Renewable Energy Systems |
| Incentive Amount | 100% of value added by renewable system |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | ITC |
| Type | Tax Incentive |
| Incentive Amount | 26% of installation cost |
| Website | Visit here |
| Name | Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SRECs) Registration Program |
| Incentive Amount | Determined by the market. In June 2016, SREC traded at an average price of $229.90. |
| Incentive Max | Maximum price set by the SACP for the particular year. |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | PSE&G - Solar Loan Program |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Successor Solar Incentive (SuSI) Program |
| Incentive Amount | Net-Metered Residential: $90/SREC-II Small Net-Metered Non-Residential located on Rooftop, Carport, Canopy and Floating Solar Projects smaller than 1 MW (dc): $100/SREC-II, $120 for public entities Projects 1 MW to 5 MW (dc): $90/SREC-II, $110 for public entities Net Metered Non-Residential Ground Mount Projects smaller than 1 MW (dc): $85/SREC-II, $105 for public entities Projects 1 MW to 5 MW (dc): $80/SREC-II, $100 for public entities Community Solar LMI: $90/SREC-II Community Solar Non-LMI: $70/SREC-II |
| Incentive Max | MW-DC Capacity Blocks Net Metered Residential: 150 MW Net Metered Non-Residential: 150 MW Community Solar (LMI and Non-LMI): 150 MW |
| Website | Visit here |
| More Info | Click here |
| Name | Solar Energy Sales Tax Exemption |
| Incentive Amount | 100% exemption |
| Incentive Max | None |
| More Info | Click here |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the installation process.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have various brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's crucial to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project completion timeline.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
4.5
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
4.5
- 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 City, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Union City?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Union City?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you don't have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won't increase, so you'll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in Union City?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger 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.
