Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union City, NJ (2023 Update)
- Union City Solar Installation Cost: $8,922
- 25-Year Savings: $8,928
- Payback Period: 12.5 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union City
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Union City.
The average cost of a solar system in Union City is 2.77 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Union City, most homeowners require a 4.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $8,919, or $12,754 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Union City based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar power is worth paying. On average Union City homeowners see about $15,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Union City for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in Union City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,500 |
| 3 years | $-4,655 |
| 5 years | $-1,810 |
| 7 years | $1,034 |
| 9 years | $3,879 |
| 11 years | $6,724 |
| 13 years | $9,568 |
| 15 years | $12,413 |
| 17 years | $15,258 |
| 19 years | $18,103 |
| 21 years | $20,947 |
| 23 years | $23,792 |
| 25 years | $26,637 |
Top Solar Installers in Union City
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra effort and handiness. For that reason, most people choose a solar panel installer. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and lower the cost of maintenance over time.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Union City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Union City
For many Union City homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Union City, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,770 per kilowatt in Union City. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, 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
Most solar installers in Union City provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. While solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Union City homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of clean energy solutions in Union City, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also fits within your budget.
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
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: When reading over your solar installer'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 part breaking or the company going out of business.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Union City, NJ Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Union City?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, 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. It will be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Union City?
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 get the most savings.
Does Union City have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.