Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union Vale, NY (Mar 2023)
- Union Vale Solar Installation Cost: $8,983
- 25-Year Savings: $10,018
- Payback Period: 11.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union Vale
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Union Vale.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Union Vale, the average cost of a solar system is 2.95 per watt. To cover the typical energy usage of the average home in Union Vale, most homeowners require a 4.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $8,983, or $12,846 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar panel system. The actual cost of going solar can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Union Vale can save about $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a top solar installation company in Union Vale, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Union Vale
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,223 |
| 3 years | $-6,703 |
| 5 years | $-5,183 |
| 7 years | $-3,663 |
| 9 years | $-2,143 |
| 11 years | $-623 |
| 13 years | $897 |
| 15 years | $2,417 |
| 17 years | $3,937 |
| 19 years | $5,457 |
| 21 years | $6,977 |
| 23 years | $8,497 |
| 25 years | $10,018 |
Top Solar Installers in Union Vale
DIY solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can use up a lot of your time and energy. Using a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Union Vale, therefore optimizing your ROI.
If you'd like to go solar but still aren't certain which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Vale
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Union Vale
For many Union Vale homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Union Vale, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power generation need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,950. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Union Vale homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Union Vale is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. As with choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that has the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $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
Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on 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: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're unsure 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.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before deciding.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Vale, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Union Vale?
The average cost of solar panels in Union Vale is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Union Vale, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you'll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they are completely unusable at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can replace them once you've had them for that long or you can continue to use 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.