Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnstown, MI (2023 Update)
- Johnstown Solar Installation Cost: $12,058
- 25-Year Savings: $21,797
- Payback Period: 8.9 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated May 04, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnstown
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Johnstown.
In Johnstown, solar panels cost about 2.81 per watt on average. Using this figure, a typical 6.1-kW system would cost about $12,058 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Johnstown homeowners. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Johnstown homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Johnstown that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Johnstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,704 |
| 3 years | $-7,995 |
| 5 years | $-5,287 |
| 7 years | $-2,578 |
| 9 years | $130 |
| 11 years | $2,838 |
| 13 years | $5,547 |
| 15 years | $8,255 |
| 17 years | $10,964 |
| 19 years | $13,672 |
| 21 years | $16,380 |
| 23 years | $19,089 |
| 25 years | $21,797 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnstown
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Hiring a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but working with a solar installer can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you apply for incentives available in your area.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Johnstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Johnstown
For many Johnstown homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Johnstown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that greatly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Johnstown, one of the most important 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 gauge by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,810 for each additional kilowatt you need. The solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your electric bills. Additionally, extra products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Johnstown average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Johnstown homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable. When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in Johnstown is the company you hire to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that provide a range of services at different costs. The company's size can sometimes play the most significant role in your costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because they have greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $20,857 | 9.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $28,123 | 9.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $35,548 | 8.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $43,129 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $50,868 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $58,765 | 8.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $66,818 | 8.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $75,029 | 8.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a good reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Contract: It's important to read through your solar installer's contract thoroughly to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about your solar system's energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and models of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you're considering has it.
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Johnstown, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Johnstown?
The average cost of solar panels in Johnstown is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Johnstown?
You can't get solar panels for free in Johnstown. 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'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and how much sunlight your home gets. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,104.35 per year.
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 how much 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 cover 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.