Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union City, NJ (Mar 2023)
- Union City Solar Installation Cost: $8,919
- 25-Year Savings: $8,931
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union City
We go over average solar pricing in Union City.
In Union City, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. The average Union City homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $8,919 with the federal tax credit, or $12,754 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of installing solar panels can vary based on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what installation company you go with. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Union City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,205 |
| 3 years | $-6,777 |
| 5 years | $-5,349 |
| 7 years | $-3,921 |
| 9 years | $-2,493 |
| 11 years | $-1,065 |
| 13 years | $363 |
| 15 years | $1,791 |
| 17 years | $3,219 |
| 19 years | $4,647 |
| 21 years | $6,075 |
| 23 years | $7,503 |
| 25 years | $8,931 |
Top Solar Installers in Union City
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra labor and expertise. For that reason, most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Union City, the EcoWatch team has put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Union City
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few major 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
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to decide on the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Union City have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to take that into consideration as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $2.88 | $12,099 | $11,176 | 13.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $15,212 | 12.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $19,402 | 12.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $23,748 | 12.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $28,249 | 12.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $32,905 | 11.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $37,716 | 11.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $42,683 | 11.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 City, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Union City?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Union City?
You can't get solar panels for free in Union City. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Union City?
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.