Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnson City, NY (2025 Update)

  • Johnson City Solar Installation Cost: $11,857
  • 25-Year Savings: $4,529
  • Payback Period: 21.0 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnson City

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Johnson City.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Johnson City it’s 4 per watt.The average Johnson City homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $11,857 with the federal tax credit, or $16,956 before the 0 tax credit is applied.

Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Johnson City homeowner. 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.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on power bills.

To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installer in Johnson City, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Johnson City

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-11,031
3 years$-9,380
5 years$-7,728
7 years$-6,076
9 years$-4,424
11 years$-2,772
13 years$-1,120
15 years$531
17 years$2,183
19 years$3,835
21 years$5,487
23 years$7,139
25 years$8,791

Top Solar Installers in Johnson City

Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a time-consuming project, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar company can help with that as well. Different providers can offer repairs, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives and net metering programs.

You can get a free estimate from a local solar installer on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some in Johnson City:

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Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 Johnson City

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Johnson City

Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Johnson City: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll go over each of these briefly below.

Solar Equipment

Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s important to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Johnson City 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 choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Johnson City, you’ll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment.Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that provides the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within your budget.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$3.80$15,943$2,30221.8 years
8 kW$3.72$20,849$3,47921.4 years
10 kW$3.65$25,550$4,85921.0 years
12 kW$3.58$30,047$6,44420.6 years
14 kW$3.50$34,339$8,23420.2 years
16 kW$3.43$38,427$10,22819.7 years
18 kW$3.36$42,311$12,42619.3 years
20 kW$3.29$45,990$14,82918.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in Johnson City, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
  • Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re not certain about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
  • 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 significant role in the company you go with.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
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Best Regional Coverage

Momentum Solar

★★★★★
4.5
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Representatives are experts on local policies
  • Concierge service ensures steady communication
  • Slightly limited service offerings

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's Johnson City, NY Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Johnson City?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 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 usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Johnson City?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.

Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Johnson City?

The majority of states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can receive compensation for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.

How often do you have to replace solar panels?

On average, solar panels can last about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.

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.