Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union City, GA (2024 Update)
- Union City Solar Installation Cost: $17,801
- 25-Year Savings: $20,642
- Payback Period: 13.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union City
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Union City.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Union City, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Union City, most homeowners require a 6.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $17,801, or $25,455 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy use, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Union City can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Union City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,208 |
| 3 years | $-13,022 |
| 5 years | $-9,835 |
| 7 years | $-6,649 |
| 9 years | $-3,462 |
| 11 years | $-276 |
| 13 years | $2,911 |
| 15 years | $6,097 |
| 17 years | $9,284 |
| 19 years | $12,470 |
| 21 years | $15,656 |
| 23 years | $18,843 |
| 25 years | $22,029 |
Top Solar Installers in Union City
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Solar warranties and repairs are often included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some near you:
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
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
See all of the solar companies in Union City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Union City
There are a number of factors that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Union City, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,740 for each additional kilowatt you need.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Union City average.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to include the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of green energy solutions in Union City, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Companies that 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 cost more. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $3.89 | $16,336 | $12,588 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $3.81 | $21,363 | $17,203 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.74 | $26,180 | $22,027 | 13.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.67 | $30,788 | $27,061 | 13.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.59 | $35,186 | $32,304 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.52 | $39,375 | $37,757 | 12.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.44 | $43,354 | $43,419 | 12.5 years |
| 20 kW | $3.37 | $47,124 | $49,290 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the company you choose greatly influences your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should choose, since different companies have different panels.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re on the same page with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating or replacing your electrical system or roof.
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
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
EcoWatch's Union City, GA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Union City?
The average cost of solar panels in Union City is about $18,700 for a 5-kW system and $37,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Union City?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
How will having solar panels impact how much my home is worth?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don’t go for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
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 needs 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 household 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.