Solar Panel Cost Guide in North Union, PA (2023 Update)

  • North Union Solar Installation Cost: $12,531
  • 25-Year Savings: $8,513
  • Payback Period: 14.9 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated May 04, 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 North Union

Let's have a look at the average cost of 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 solar panels is 2.55 per watt. Since a 7.0-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in North Union, the average price of going solar will be about $12,531 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.

Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in North Union can save about $11,000 on their power bills over 20 years.

For a customized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.

Solar savings over time in North Union

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-11,689
3 years $-10,005
5 years $-8,322
7 years $-6,638
9 years $-4,955
11 years $-3,271
13 years $-1,588
15 years $96
17 years $1,779
19 years $3,463
21 years $5,146
23 years $6,830
25 years $8,513

Top Solar Installers in North Union

When switching to solar energy, many homeowners choose to use a solar company since DIY solar panel installation can be a difficult project. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in North Union, therefore optimizing your ROI.

Working with a professional solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:

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 North Union

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Union

Cost is usually 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 North Union: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. For that reason, it's important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like North Union, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for solar panels in cash is difficult, solar loans are a popular choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in North Union is the company you choose to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, there's no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in North Union are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $2.65 $11,138 $6,835 15.5 years
8 kW $2.60 $14,566 $9,399 15.2 years
10 kW $2.55 $17,850 $12,106 14.9 years
12 kW $2.50 $20,992 $14,956 14.6 years
14 kW $2.45 $23,990 $17,948 14.3 years
16 kW $2.40 $26,846 $21,084 14.0 years
18 kW $2.35 $29,560 $24,362 13.7 years
20 kW $2.29 $32,130 $27,782 13.4 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the kind 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 tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Reputation: Solar system installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Warranty: If you're concerned about the endurance of your solar system, making sure your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
  • Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.

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 North Union, PA Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in North Union?

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

Is going solar worth it?

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

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 goes down 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.

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