Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnstown, PA (Mar 2023)
- Johnstown Solar Installation Cost: $12,513
- 25-Year Savings: $16,063
- Payback Period: 10.9 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnstown
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Johnstown.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Johnstown it's 2.55 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 7.0-kW system would cost about $12,513 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Johnstown based on several factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Johnstown homeowners see about $16,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Johnstown that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Johnstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,370 |
| 3 years | $-9,084 |
| 5 years | $-6,798 |
| 7 years | $-4,512 |
| 9 years | $-2,225 |
| 11 years | $61 |
| 13 years | $2,347 |
| 15 years | $4,633 |
| 17 years | $6,919 |
| 19 years | $9,205 |
| 21 years | $11,491 |
| 23 years | $13,777 |
| 25 years | $16,063 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnstown
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Using a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what brand of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar expert can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to start using solar energy but still aren't sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers near you:
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
Although the average cost of a solar system in Johnstown is $12,513, your final cost may be above or below the average. There are several factors that can have a significant impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by nearly $2,550. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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
If paying for solar panels 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 a term of, on average, between five and seven years. 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 more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Johnstown is the company you get to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, you'll have no shortage of solar installers that provide a range of services at different price points. Additionally, some companies in Johnstown are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could help you save 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 | $2.65 | $11,138 | $13,336 | 11.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.60 | $14,566 | $18,067 | 11.2 years |
| 10 kW | $2.55 | $17,850 | $22,941 | 10.9 years |
| 12 kW | $2.50 | $20,992 | $27,957 | 10.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.45 | $23,990 | $33,117 | 10.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.40 | $26,846 | $38,419 | 10.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.35 | $29,560 | $43,864 | 10.1 years |
| 20 kW | $2.29 | $32,130 | $49,451 | 9.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies available in Johnstown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Selecting the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's important to keep an open line of communication with your solar installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can be tedious, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
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, PA Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Johnstown?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $12,750 for a 5-kW system and $25,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
Cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on why you decided to go solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to keep in mind are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will having solar panels impact my property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home significantly as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% with a solar installation."
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 needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually 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.