Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnstown, NY (Mar 2023)
- Johnstown Solar Installation Cost: $9,210
- 25-Year Savings: $6,997
- Payback Period: 14.2 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnstown
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Johnstown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Johnstown it's 2.95 per watt. Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Johnstown, the average price of going solar will be about $9,210 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are only estimates, and your own solar costs will most likely look different based on your specific situation and what company you choose to go with. With typical savings of about $14,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Johnstown find going solar has a decent ROI.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar installer in Johnstown for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Johnstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,562 |
| 3 years | $-7,265 |
| 5 years | $-5,968 |
| 7 years | $-4,672 |
| 9 years | $-3,375 |
| 11 years | $-2,079 |
| 13 years | $-782 |
| 15 years | $514 |
| 17 years | $1,811 |
| 19 years | $3,107 |
| 21 years | $4,404 |
| 23 years | $5,701 |
| 25 years | $6,997 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnstown
Trying to install solar panels on your own can be a dangerous undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. The payback period of solar panels will vary based on factors like your roof configuration and energy needs, but going with a solar company can shorten that period. Your provider will be able to help you identify incentives available in your area.
There are various 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 Johnstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Johnstown
Though the average cost of a solar system in Johnstown is $9,210, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many 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 consider.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,950 per kilowatt in Johnstown. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In many cases, the brands that offer higher efficiency 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 far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Johnstown have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, 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 above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating throughout Johnstown, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Johnstown are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $8,895 | 14.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.01 | $16,850 | $12,191 | 14.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.95 | $20,650 | $15,652 | 14.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.89 | $24,284 | $19,278 | 13.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.83 | $27,754 | $23,069 | 13.7 years |
| 16 kW | $2.77 | $31,058 | $27,025 | 13.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.71 | $34,196 | $31,147 | 13.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.66 | $37,170 | $35,433 | 12.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you opt for will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, such as:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
- Contract: Review the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind 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.
- Warranty: If you care about the longevity of your solar energy system, ensuring your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
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 Johnstown, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Johnstown?
The average cost of solar panels in Johnstown is about $14,750 for a 5-kW system and $29,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Johnstown?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.