Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnston, IA (2024 Update)
- Johnston Solar Installation Cost: $26,849
- 25-Year Savings: $19,863
- Payback Period: 17.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnston
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Johnston.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Johnston, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 9.6-kW system would cost about $26,849 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Johnston homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Johnston that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Johnston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-25,781 |
| 3 years | $-23,646 |
| 5 years | $-21,510 |
| 7 years | $-19,374 |
| 9 years | $-17,238 |
| 11 years | $-15,103 |
| 13 years | $-12,967 |
| 15 years | $-10,831 |
| 17 years | $-8,695 |
| 19 years | $-6,559 |
| 21 years | $-4,424 |
| 23 years | $-2,288 |
| 25 years | $-152 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnston
When going solar, many homeowners choose to use a solar installer since DIY solar panel installation can be a challenging project. Plus, if you’re not certain what brand of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
If you're looking for a solar company in Johnston, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Johnston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Johnston
There are several criteria that can play into 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 price of a solar panel system in Johnston, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,010 for each additional kilowatt you need.The kind 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your power bills. Additionally, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Johnston average.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Johnston to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans substantially decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also lead to a higher cost over time because of interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the total interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will affect your total cost to make the switch to solar power. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.Additionally, some companies in Johnston know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you 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 | $4.17 | $17,516 | $6,578 | 18.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.09 | $22,905 | $9,220 | 17.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.01 | $28,070 | $12,086 | 17.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.93 | $33,010 | $15,177 | 17.1 years |
| 14 kW | $3.85 | $37,726 | $18,492 | 16.8 years |
| 16 kW | $3.77 | $42,217 | $22,032 | 16.4 years |
| 18 kW | $3.69 | $46,484 | $25,797 | 16.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.61 | $50,526 | $29,786 | 15.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it’s important to do it fully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
EcoWatch's Johnston, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Johnston?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,050 for a 5-kW system and $40,100 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 consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Johnston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Johnston, 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?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption 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 account for 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.