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.
In North Union, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.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.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will differ based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
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
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installer since overseeing your solar installation yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar energy, using a solar company can help with that too. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system 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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
See all of the solar companies in North Union
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in North Union
For many North Union homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in North Union, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in North 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 figure out by looking at past power bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,550 for each additional kilowatt you need.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. Also, if you have a small roof or limited 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
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many North Union homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your total costs, so it’s crucial to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in North Union, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.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 | $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 a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain 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.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Companies that have been in business for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
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
Solar Veteran
Trinity Solar
- Many financing options
- Family-owned and -operated
- Makes charitable contributions
- Limited service area
- Relatively short workmanship warranty
EcoWatch's North Union, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in North Union?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive 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 cheaper solar panels.
Are solar panels free in North Union?
Solar panels aren’t free in North Union, but there are some options that can make getting them more viable, 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 home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in North Union is currently $149,645, which means you can look forward to a value of about $6,135 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in North Union is a rewarding investment.
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.