Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union City, PA (2023 Update)
- Union City Solar Installation Cost: $12,370
- 25-Year Savings: $19,218
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union City
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Union City.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Union City, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.55 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Union City, most homeowners require a 6.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $12,370, or $17,689 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your energy needs and what company you go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Union City can save around $17,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Union City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,107 |
| 3 years | $-8,579 |
| 5 years | $-6,052 |
| 7 years | $-3,525 |
| 9 years | $-998 |
| 11 years | $1,529 |
| 13 years | $4,056 |
| 15 years | $6,583 |
| 17 years | $9,110 |
| 19 years | $11,637 |
| 21 years | $14,164 |
| 23 years | $16,691 |
| 25 years | $19,218 |
Top Solar Installers in Union City
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring an installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you take advantage of incentives in Union City, therefore optimizing your ROI.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some 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 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 City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Union City
While the average cost of a solar system in Union City is $12,370, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,550 per kilowatt in Union City. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Union City to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can impact your pricing. Union City's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $16,229 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $21,925 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $27,763 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $33,744 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $39,867 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $46,134 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $52,543 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $59,095 | 8.8 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 find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its work history and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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 City, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Union City?
The average cost of solar panels in Union City is about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Union City?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 average daily 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.
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.