Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnson City, NY (2024 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 February 03, 2024

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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.

Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Johnson City generally cost around 4.Because a 4.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy costs of a typical home in Johnson City, the average price of going solar will be about $11,857 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

These figures are only averages, and your own solar costs may look different based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Johnson City can save around $12,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.

Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Johnson City for a customized estimate.

Solar savings over time in Johnson City

Year Return 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

Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra time and expertise. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. The payback period on a solar system will vary based on factors like your location and energy needs, but working with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you get the most out of incentives available in your area.

If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

There are a number of factors that can play into your solar panel 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

When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Johnson City, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,650 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 choose the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Johnson City average.

Solar Financing Terms

For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Johnson City, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.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 principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The final key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Johnson City, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System size Cost per system watt Solar system cost 25-Year savings Payback period
6 kW $3.80 $15,943 $2,302 21.8 years
8 kW $3.72 $20,849 $3,479 21.4 years
10 kW $3.65 $25,550 $4,859 21.0 years
12 kW $3.58 $30,047 $6,444 20.6 years
14 kW $3.50 $34,339 $8,234 20.2 years
16 kW $3.43 $38,427 $10,228 19.7 years
18 kW $3.36 $42,311 $12,426 19.3 years
20 kW $3.29 $45,990 $14,829 18.9 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 pick 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 likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • 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 unsure 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: The kind of solar panel you want to install plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies have different panels.
  • Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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?

The average cost of solar panels in Johnson City is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Should I lease or buy solar panels in Johnson City?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to 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.

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

Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy 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, the lifespan of solar panels is 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 larger level 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.

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