Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnstown, PA (2024 Update)
- Johnstown Solar Installation Cost: $17,409
- 25-Year Savings: $19,528
- Payback Period: 15.2 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnstown
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Johnstown.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Johnstown, the typical cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average Johnstown homeowner needs a 7.0-kilowatt system, which would cost about $17,409 with the federal tax credit, or $24,895 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Johnstown depending on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.Even with the large upfront cost, the average Johnstown homeowner can save around $16,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
To get a free quote from a top solar installer in Johnstown, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Johnstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-15,931 |
| 3 years | $-12,976 |
| 5 years | $-10,021 |
| 7 years | $-7,066 |
| 9 years | $-4,111 |
| 11 years | $-1,156 |
| 13 years | $1,798 |
| 15 years | $4,753 |
| 17 years | $7,708 |
| 19 years | $10,663 |
| 21 years | $13,618 |
| 23 years | $16,573 |
| 25 years | $19,528 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnstown
DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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 Johnstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Johnstown
There are several factors that can play into your total installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $3,550 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 a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to more savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Johnstown homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you select will play a role in your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to greater resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.69 | $15,506 | $8,968 | 15.8 years |
| 8 kW | $3.62 | $20,278 | $12,355 | 15.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.55 | $24,850 | $15,941 | 15.2 years |
| 12 kW | $3.48 | $29,224 | $19,725 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.41 | $33,398 | $23,709 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.34 | $37,374 | $27,891 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.27 | $41,152 | $32,272 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.19 | $44,730 | $36,851 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different types of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- 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
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Johnstown, PA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Johnstown?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,750 for a 5-kW system and $35,500 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want additional solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Johnstown?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Johnstown. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How will installing solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase your home value considerably 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."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can take a look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to get between 20 and 35 panels to account for their typical energy usage.
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.