Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union, OH (2024 Update)

  • Union Solar Installation Cost: $17,585
  • 25-Year Savings: $11,789
  • Payback Period: 17.6 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

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

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Union.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Union, the typical cost of a solar system is 3 per watt.The average Union homeowner needs a 7.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,585 with the federal tax credit, or $25,147 before the 0 tax credit 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 depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average homeowners in Union see about $13,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in your area for a custom quote.

Solar savings over time in Union

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-16,420
3 years $-14,090
5 years $-11,760
7 years $-9,430
9 years $-7,100
11 years $-4,770
13 years $-2,440
15 years $-110
17 years $2,220
19 years $4,550
21 years $6,880
23 years $9,210
25 years $11,540

Top Solar Installers in Union

Many homeowners opt for a solar installation company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Another great thing about choosing a reliable solar installer is that it'll likely provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar investment.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Union, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

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 Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in Union

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Union

Though the average cost of a solar system in Union is $17,585, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Union, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,410 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Union, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Union, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar installation company you select will affect your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — 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 choose a company that provides 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 $3.55 $14,895 $5,459 18.3 years
8 kW $3.48 $19,478 $7,660 17.9 years
10 kW $3.41 $23,870 $10,053 17.6 years
12 kW $3.34 $28,071 $12,636 17.2 years
14 kW $3.27 $32,081 $15,411 16.9 years
16 kW $3.21 $35,900 $18,376 16.5 years
18 kW $3.14 $39,529 $21,532 16.2 years
20 kW $3.07 $42,966 $24,879 15.8 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
  • Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
  • Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases provide good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you’d like to install plays a role in which company you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.

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 Solar Financing

Blue Raven Solar

★★★★★
4.5

  • Industry-leading in-house financing
  • Competitive pricing
  • Excellent reputation
  • Doesn't offer solar batteries

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Union, OH Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Union?

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Are solar panels free in Union?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Union. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?

Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Union is currently $181,395, which means you could be looking at a value of about $7,437 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Union is a worthwhile investment.

How long do solar panels last in Union?

Even though 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can 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.

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