Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnson, AR (Mar 2023)
- Johnson Solar Installation Cost: $15,273
- 25-Year Savings: $20,733
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnson
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Johnson.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Johnson generally cost around 2.54. Using this figure, a typical 8.6-kW system would cost about $15,273 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more. But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite good, with a net average savings of about $16,000 over 20 years on utility bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Johnson that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Johnson
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,833 |
| 3 years | $-10,952 |
| 5 years | $-8,072 |
| 7 years | $-5,191 |
| 9 years | $-2,311 |
| 11 years | $570 |
| 13 years | $3,450 |
| 15 years | $6,331 |
| 17 years | $9,211 |
| 19 years | $12,092 |
| 21 years | $14,972 |
| 23 years | $17,853 |
| 25 years | $20,733 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnson
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be hard. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Johnson, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Johnson
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Johnson
For many Johnson homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Johnson, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,540 per kilowatt in Johnson. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Johnson, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Johnson homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's wise to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to keep in mind when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Johnson is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there's no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points. The company's size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.64 | $11,095 | $14,065 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.59 | $14,508 | $19,038 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.54 | $17,780 | $24,153 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.49 | $20,909 | $29,410 | 10.4 years |
| 14 kW | $2.44 | $23,896 | $34,810 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $2.39 | $26,741 | $40,352 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.34 | $29,444 | $46,036 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,004 | $51,862 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Johnson, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for a long time and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
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
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Johnson, AR Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Johnson?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $12,700 for a 5-kW system and $25,400 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Johnson?
You can't get solar panels for free in Johnson. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Johnson?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
How long do solar panels last in Johnson?
On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.