Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Union, PA (2024 Update)
- North Union Solar Installation Cost: $17,457
- 25-Year Savings: $8,505
- Payback Period: 20.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in North Union
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in North Union.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in North Union, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in North Union is around 7.0 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,457 for a solar installation, or $24,964 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can go above or below the average in North Union based on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in North Union can save around $11,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar installer in North Union for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in North Union
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,374 |
| 3 years | $-14,208 |
| 5 years | $-12,042 |
| 7 years | $-9,876 |
| 9 years | $-7,710 |
| 11 years | $-5,545 |
| 13 years | $-3,379 |
| 15 years | $-1,213 |
| 17 years | $953 |
| 19 years | $3,119 |
| 21 years | $5,284 |
| 23 years | $7,450 |
| 25 years | $9,616 |
Top Solar Installers in North Union
Putting up solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. In addition, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar power, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 North Union
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Union
The cost of installing a solar system in North Union can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The most significant one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by around $3,550. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get 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 in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the North Union average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in North Union to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you pick will play a role in your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.The company’s size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.69 | $15,506 | $2,467 | 21.6 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $3,687 | 21.2 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $5,106 | 20.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $6,724 | 20.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $8,540 | 19.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $10,556 | 19.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $12,770 | 19.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $15,182 | 18.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound 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 that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has satisfied reviews from past customers.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's North Union, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in North Union?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in North Union?
A solar panel system isn’t free in North Union, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that you can take advantage of.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t choose a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing a solar system."
How long do solar panels last in North Union?
On average, solar panels can last 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 amount 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.