Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnstown, CO (2023 Update)
- Johnstown Solar Installation Cost: $10,018
- 25-Year Savings: $15,774
- Payback Period: 9.7 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnstown
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Johnstown.
In Johnstown, solar panels cost about 2.69 per watt on average. The average Johnstown homeowner needs a 5.3-kilowatt system, which would cost about $10,018 with the federal tax credit, or $14,326 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Johnstown depending on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Johnstown can save about $18,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Johnstown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Johnstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,986 |
| 3 years | $-6,923 |
| 5 years | $-4,859 |
| 7 years | $-2,796 |
| 9 years | $-733 |
| 11 years | $1,331 |
| 13 years | $3,394 |
| 15 years | $5,457 |
| 17 years | $7,520 |
| 19 years | $9,584 |
| 21 years | $11,647 |
| 23 years | $13,710 |
| 25 years | $15,774 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnstown
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy usage, but going with a solar installer can help you reach a break-even point sooner. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.
You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Johnstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Johnstown
The cost of installing a solar system in Johnstown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,690 per kilowatt in Johnstown. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof 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 increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Johnstown homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you choose will influence your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices due to 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 major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.80 | $11,750 | $17,333 | 10.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $23,412 | 9.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $29,642 | 9.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $36,022 | 9.5 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $42,553 | 9.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $49,235 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $56,067 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $63,050 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying 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.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand how much it will cost, project timeline incentives and warranties.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panels, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Johnstown, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Johnstown?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my electricity bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Johnstown, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically 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.