Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union, OH (Mar 2023)
- Union Solar Installation Cost: $13,207
- 25-Year Savings: $11,784
- Payback Period: 13.2 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.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Union generally cost about 2.56. Since a 7.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Union, the average price of going solar will be about $13,207 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Union homeowners. The cost of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $13,000 over 20 years on power bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in Union for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Union
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,207 |
| 3 years | $-10,208 |
| 5 years | $-8,209 |
| 7 years | $-6,210 |
| 9 years | $-4,210 |
| 11 years | $-2,211 |
| 13 years | $-212 |
| 15 years | $1,788 |
| 17 years | $3,787 |
| 19 years | $5,786 |
| 21 years | $7,785 |
| 23 years | $9,785 |
| 25 years | $11,784 |
Top Solar Installers in Union
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since installing solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for you.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
There are a number of criteria that can influence your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy 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 consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,560 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Union average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Union homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Union is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.66 | $11,182 | $9,172 | 13.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $12,515 | 13.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $16,003 | 13.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $19,633 | 12.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $23,407 | 12.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $27,325 | 12.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $31,385 | 12.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $35,589 | 11.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Union, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar panel company. Make sure you understand how the installation process will go and the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can be sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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, OH Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Union?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 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. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Union?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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 savings from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $678.45 per year.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a larger level of energy production.
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.