Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnston, RI (Feb 2023)
- Johnston Solar Installation Cost: $8,270
- 25-Year Savings: $13,677
- Payback Period: 9.4 Years
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Updated January 20, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnston
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar panels in Johnston.
The average cost of solar panels in Johnston is $3 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Johnston, most homeowners require a 4.2-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $8,270, or $6,120 after the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Johnston homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Despite the high upfront cost, the average Johnston homeowner can save about $20,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Johnston
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,392 |
| 3 years | $-5,636 |
| 5 years | $-3,881 |
| 7 years | $-2,125 |
| 9 years | $-369 |
| 11 years | $1,386 |
| 13 years | $3,142 |
| 15 years | $4,898 |
| 17 years | $6,654 |
| 19 years | $8,409 |
| 21 years | $10,165 |
| 23 years | $11,921 |
| 25 years | $13,677 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnston
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners choose to hire a solar installer since handling can be a time-consuming project. A solar installer can also help save you money over time by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Johnston
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Johnston
While the average cost of a solar system in Johnston is $8,270, your actual cost may differ. There are several factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Johnston, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly 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 $2,840 for each additional kilowatt you need. The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price 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 extra equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Johnston offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installation company you pick will influence your total cost to adopt solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor. The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.95 | $12,405 | $19,227 | 9.8 years |
| 8 kW | $2.90 | $16,222 | $25,954 | 9.6 years |
| 10 kW | $2.84 | $19,880 | $32,840 | 9.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.78 | $23,379 | $39,885 | 9.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.73 | $26,719 | $47,090 | 9.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.67 | $29,900 | $54,453 | 8.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.61 | $32,921 | $61,975 | 8.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.56 | $35,784 | $69,657 | 8.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the type of solar panels and the company you choose significantly affects your costs and your system's efficiency, production, and durability, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you choose.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years most likely provide high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: A high-quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and the terms of the warranty.
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 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 $14,200 for a 5-kW system and $28,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Johnston?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can't afford to pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don't own the system, you can't take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your property 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Johnston?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either receive compensation for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don't have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home uses 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 house 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.