Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnstown, OH (Mar 2023)
- Johnstown Solar Installation Cost: $13,601
- 25-Year Savings: $19,485
- Payback Period: 10.3 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated March 14, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnstown
We break down average solar pricing in Johnstown.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Johnstown generally cost about 2.56. The average solar panel system size in Johnstown is around 7.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $13,601 for a solar installation, or $19,449 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just estimates, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you want to go with. Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Johnstown can save around $17,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Johnstown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Johnstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,278 |
| 3 years | $-9,631 |
| 5 years | $-6,984 |
| 7 years | $-4,337 |
| 9 years | $-1,690 |
| 11 years | $957 |
| 13 years | $3,604 |
| 15 years | $6,251 |
| 17 years | $8,898 |
| 19 years | $11,545 |
| 21 years | $14,192 |
| 23 years | $16,839 |
| 25 years | $19,485 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnstown
Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since trying to install solar panels by yourself can be hard. Companies can also have access to a large variety of the best solar panels and help you pick which one will be right for your family.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Johnstown, the EcoWatch team has organized a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few major factors that determine your overall cost in Johnstown: 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
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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,560 per kilowatt in Johnstown. The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these are often more expensive than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you're opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a popular route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's important to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can play a role in determining the cost. Johnstown's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that 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 cost more. It's best to do some research and go with the company that offers the products, warranties and services you're looking for and also is within your budget.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.66 | $11,182 | $14,969 | 10.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.61 | $14,623 | $20,245 | 10.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.56 | $17,920 | $25,664 | 10.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.51 | $21,074 | $31,227 | 10.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.46 | $24,084 | $36,934 | 9.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.41 | $26,952 | $42,783 | 9.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.36 | $29,676 | $48,776 | 9.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.30 | $32,256 | $54,913 | 9.3 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 decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: Make sure you're aligned with the installer with regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a considerable role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Read the contract terms closely to make sure you understand how much it will cost, completion timeline rebates and warranties.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Johnstown?
This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,800 for a 5-kW system and $25,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
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 want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Johnstown?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home requires and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average household 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.