Solar Panel Cost Guide in Union City, TN (2024 Update)
- Union City Solar Installation Cost: $19,735
- 25-Year Savings: $7,009
- Payback Period: 23.8 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Union City
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are 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.Using this figure, a typical 7.9-kW system would cost about $19,735 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically good, with a net average savings of about $11,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Union City for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Union City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-18,915 |
| 3 years | $-17,275 |
| 5 years | $-15,635 |
| 7 years | $-13,995 |
| 9 years | $-12,356 |
| 11 years | $-10,716 |
| 13 years | $-9,076 |
| 15 years | $-7,436 |
| 17 years | $-5,797 |
| 19 years | $-4,157 |
| 21 years | $-2,517 |
| 23 years | $-877 |
| 25 years | $762 |
Top Solar Installers in Union City
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of an installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Companies can also have access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be right for your family.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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
There are a number of criteria that can affect your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
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 gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for 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 in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Union City average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Union City homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the booming popularity of green energy solutions in Union City, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.72 | $15,637 | $160 | 24.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $615 | 24.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $1,270 | 23.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $2,125 | 23.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $3,181 | 22.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $4,437 | 22.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $5,894 | 21.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $7,551 | 21.4 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 pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can check your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy 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.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
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, TN 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 $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 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 option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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 Union City?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future electricity 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 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 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.