Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union, NY (2023 Update)
- Union Solar Installation Cost: $9,582
- 25-Year Savings: $4,806
- Payback Period: 16.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union
Find out how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Union.
In Union, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 4.6-kW system would cost about $9,582 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Union homeowners see about $12,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Union
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,006 |
| 3 years | $-7,855 |
| 5 years | $-6,704 |
| 7 years | $-5,553 |
| 9 years | $-4,402 |
| 11 years | $-3,251 |
| 13 years | $-2,100 |
| 15 years | $-949 |
| 17 years | $202 |
| 19 years | $1,353 |
| 21 years | $2,504 |
| 23 years | $3,655 |
| 25 years | $4,806 |
Top Solar Installers in Union
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you're looking for a solar company in Union, we've compiled 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
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Union
For many Union homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy depends on 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 numerous factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,950 per kilowatt in Union. The brand and type of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Union to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Union's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to 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 go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $5,715 | 17.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $7,951 | 17.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $10,352 | 16.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $12,918 | 16.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $15,649 | 16.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $18,545 | 15.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $21,607 | 15.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $24,834 | 15.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the installation company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you'd like to get plays a part in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Union?
The average cost of solar panels in Union is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Union?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 home 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.
Does Union have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How long do solar panels last in Union?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them once you've had them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.
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.