Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnston, IA (Mar 2023)
- Johnston Solar Installation Cost: $18,556
- 25-Year Savings: $19,854
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnston
Here's how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Johnston.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Johnston typically cost about 2.77. The average solar panel system size in Johnston is around 9.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $18,556 for a solar installation, or $26,535 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The true cost of making the switch to solar can vary quite a bit based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy consumption and what solar installer you go with. But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the savings for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $15,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Johnston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,020 |
| 3 years | $-13,947 |
| 5 years | $-10,874 |
| 7 years | $-7,801 |
| 9 years | $-4,729 |
| 11 years | $-1,656 |
| 13 years | $1,417 |
| 15 years | $4,490 |
| 17 years | $7,563 |
| 19 years | $10,635 |
| 21 years | $13,708 |
| 23 years | $16,781 |
| 25 years | $19,854 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnston
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and knowledge. Because of that, most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another advantage of going with a solar company is that they can help you optimize your investment by cutting back on future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and giving you information on local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. 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
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 Johnston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Johnston
While the average cost of a solar system in Johnston is $18,556, your final cost may be higher or lower than that. There are several factors that can have a major impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Johnston, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home's energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past power bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $2,770 for each additional kilowatt you need. The type of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will largely impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Furthermore, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Johnston offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can play a part in determining your pricing. Johnston's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies compete with them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $11,994 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $16,303 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $20,766 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $25,385 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $30,158 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $35,087 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $40,171 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $45,410 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies available in Johnston, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
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 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 many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important things to keep in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Do solar panels increase how much your home is worth?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Johnston is currently $254,038, which means you could be looking at a value of about $10,416 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Johnston is a rewarding investment.
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 take a 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 get 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.