Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnson City, NY (Mar 2023)
- Johnson City Solar Installation Cost: $9,582
- 25-Year Savings: $4,531
- Payback Period: 17.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnson City
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Johnson City.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Johnson City typically cost around 2.95. The average Johnson City homeowner needs a 4.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,582 with the federal tax credit, or $13,702 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you want to go with. But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $12,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar panel company in Johnson City for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Johnson City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,017 |
| 3 years | $-7,888 |
| 5 years | $-6,759 |
| 7 years | $-5,630 |
| 9 years | $-4,501 |
| 11 years | $-3,372 |
| 13 years | $-2,243 |
| 15 years | $-1,114 |
| 17 years | $15 |
| 19 years | $1,144 |
| 21 years | $2,273 |
| 23 years | $3,402 |
| 25 years | $4,531 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnson City
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be challenging. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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
See all of the solar companies in Johnson City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Johnson City
There are several criteria that can determine your solar system 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,950 per kilowatt in Johnson City. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Johnson City, where sunlight isn't as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are an affordable choice because they reduce your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Johnson City homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of renewable energy solutions in Johnson City, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and 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 | $3.07 | $12,886 | $5,360 | 17.7 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $7,477 | 17.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $9,759 | 17.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $12,207 | 16.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $14,820 | 16.3 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $17,597 | 16.0 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $20,540 | 15.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $23,649 | 15.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are some important things you should take into account, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for defective panels and repairs over around 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a quality company.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
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
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 precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. Conversely, you can spend less if you want a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Johnson City?
A solar panel system isn't free in Johnson City, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Johnson City?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
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 goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher 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.