Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Union, PA (2025 Update)
- South 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 South Union
See how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in South Union.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in South Union, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average South Union homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,457 with the federal tax credit, or $24,964 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The exact cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.With typical savings of about $11,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in South Union find investing in solar has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a highly rated solar installer in your area for a custom estimate.
Solar savings over time in South 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 South Union
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in South Union
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Union
The cost of installing a solar system in South 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 the size of the system your home needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the most significant factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power production use better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,550.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in South Union to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you select will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar . Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — 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 decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.69 | $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
The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
EcoWatch's South Union, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in South Union?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, 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. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in South 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 you sell solar power back to the grid in South Union?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to install between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.