Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnstown, CO (2024 Update)
- Johnstown Solar Installation Cost: $14,824
- 25-Year Savings: $15,772
- Payback Period: 14.4 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnstown
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Johnstown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Johnstown it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Johnstown, most homeowners require a 5.3-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,824, or $21,198 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Johnstown can save about $18,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Johnstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,856 |
| 3 years | $-11,920 |
| 5 years | $-9,983 |
| 7 years | $-8,047 |
| 9 years | $-6,111 |
| 11 years | $-4,175 |
| 13 years | $-2,238 |
| 15 years | $-302 |
| 17 years | $1,634 |
| 19 years | $3,570 |
| 21 years | $5,506 |
| 23 years | $7,443 |
| 25 years | $9,379 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnstown
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and expertise. Because of that, most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. Local solar installation companies can also help you optimize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can take advantage of and by providing warranties and repairs.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Johnstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Johnstown
There are a number of criteria that can determine your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,980 per kilowatt in Johnstown.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid choice because they decrease your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Johnstown, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Johnstown have more knowledge about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $4.14 | $17,385 | $11,698 | 14.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $16,044 | 14.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $20,612 | 14.4 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $25,403 | 14.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $30,417 | 13.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $35,653 | 13.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $41,113 | 13.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $46,796 | 12.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you decide on 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 sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you’re considering has it.
- Contract: Look through the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Johnstown, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Johnstown?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Johnstown, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact 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 uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.