Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union, SC (2024 Update)
- Union Solar Installation Cost: $19,349
- 25-Year Savings: $31,486
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union
We go over average solar pricing in Union.
In Union, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Using this figure, a typical 8.0-kW system would cost about $19,349 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are only averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with.For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $22,000 in savings on energy 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
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,864 |
| 3 years | $-14,894 |
| 5 years | $-11,923 |
| 7 years | $-8,953 |
| 9 years | $-5,982 |
| 11 years | $-3,012 |
| 13 years | $-41 |
| 15 years | $2,930 |
| 17 years | $5,900 |
| 19 years | $8,871 |
| 21 years | $11,841 |
| 23 years | $14,812 |
| 25 years | $17,782 |
Top Solar Installers in Union
Many homeowners decide to use a solar installer since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a lot of work. Solar installers offer key benefits that can help you maximize your investment, like warranties, monitoring and free repairs.
Working with a licensed solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Union
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Union
While the average cost of a solar system in Union is $19,349, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag 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 greater savings over time. Plus, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Union, which can bring down, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable.Though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Union homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Union, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Union have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 | $3.59 | $15,070 | $19,933 | 10.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.52 | $19,706 | $26,964 | 10.6 years |
| 10 kW | $3.45 | $24,150 | $34,188 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.38 | $28,400 | $41,605 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.31 | $32,458 | $49,215 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.24 | $36,322 | $57,019 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.17 | $39,992 | $65,015 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.11 | $43,470 | $73,205 | 9.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline rebates and warranties.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Outstanding Regional Installer
Renu Energy Solutions
- Excellent reputation
- Many financing options
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Union, SC Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Union?
The average cost of solar panels in Union is about $17,250 for a 5-kW system and $34,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in 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 home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How will having solar panels impact my home value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Union is currently $110,114, so you could be looking at a value of about $4,515 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Union is a worthwhile investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.