Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union Vale, NY (2023 Update)

  • Union Vale Solar Installation Cost: $8,985
  • 25-Year Savings: $10,015
  • Payback Period: 11.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union Vale

Find out how much it might cost to install solar panels in Union Vale.

In Union Vale, solar panels cost about 2.95 per watt on average. The average solar panel system size in Union Vale is around 4.3 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $8,983 for a solar installation, or $12,846 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.

The actual price you pay can go above or below the average in Union Vale depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $17,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Union Vale find installing solar panels can be quite rewarding.

You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Union Vale that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in Union Vale

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-8,922
3 years $-8,795
5 years $-8,669
7 years $-8,542
9 years $-8,415
11 years $-8,289
13 years $-8,162
15 years $-8,035
17 years $-7,909
19 years $-7,782
21 years $-7,655
23 years $-7,529
25 years $-7,402

Top Solar Installers in Union Vale

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. The payback period of solar panels will vary depending on factors like your roof configuration and energy consumption, but working with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.

If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't certain which solar system company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • 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 Vale

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Union Vale

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Union Vale: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll cover each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

One of the most important 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 consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,950 per kilowatt in Union Vale. There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you choose 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 Vale have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. It's wise to add the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar company you opt for to handle your switch to clean energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Union Vale, and each can charge different amounts 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 decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 $3.07 $12,886 $13,314 12.3 years
8 kW $3.01 $16,850 $18,083 12.1 years
10 kW $2.95 $20,650 $23,016 11.8 years
12 kW $2.89 $24,284 $28,115 11.6 years
14 kW $2.83 $27,754 $33,379 11.3 years
16 kW $2.77 $31,058 $38,809 11.1 years
18 kW $2.71 $34,196 $44,403 10.9 years
20 kW $2.66 $37,170 $50,163 10.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a large number of companies to choose from in Union Vale, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
  • Contract: Review the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
  • Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • 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

★★★★★
4.5

  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Union Vale, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Union Vale?

This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, 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 Vale?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as 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 switching to solar power worth it?

Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.

How long do solar panels last in Union Vale?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them after having 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.

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