Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnston, RI (2025 Update)
- Johnston Solar Installation Cost: $11,860
- 25-Year Savings: $13,671
- Payback Period: 13.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnston
Find out what the average cost of solar panels are in Johnston.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Johnston it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Johnston is around 4.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $11,860 for a solar installation, or $16,960 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be above or below the average in Johnston depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $20,000 on power bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Johnston find investing in solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Johnston for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Johnston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,329 |
| 3 years | $-7,267 |
| 5 years | $-4,205 |
| 7 years | $-1,143 |
| 9 years | $1,919 |
| 11 years | $4,981 |
| 13 years | $8,043 |
| 15 years | $11,105 |
| 17 years | $14,168 |
| 19 years | $17,230 |
| 21 years | $20,292 |
| 23 years | $23,354 |
| 25 years | $26,416 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnston
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your switch to solar power much easier. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel installer can protect your investment and bring down the cost of maintenance in the long run.
You can get a free quote from a local solar installer on how much your investment in solar could cost for your home. Here are some in Johnston:
See all of the solar companies in Johnston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Johnston
Even though the average cost of a solar system in Johnston is $11,860, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. 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 take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Johnston, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $4,070 for each additional kilowatt you need.The model of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly impact costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking for a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are a solid 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.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar panel system can influence how much it costs. Johnston’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or add-on services like electric car 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 | $4.23 | $17,778 | $13,854 | 14.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.15 | $23,248 | $18,928 | 13.8 years |
| 10 kW | $4.07 | $28,490 | $24,230 | 13.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.99 | $33,504 | $29,760 | 13.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.91 | $38,291 | $35,518 | 13.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.83 | $42,849 | $41,503 | 12.7 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,179 | $47,717 | 12.4 years |
| 20 kW | $3.66 | $51,282 | $54,159 | 12.2 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Johnston, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, be sure to look it over fully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
EcoWatch's Johnston, RI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Johnston?
The average cost of solar panels in Johnston is about $20,350 for a 5-kW system and $40,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Johnston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Johnston, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and how much sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 buy 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.