Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnson City, TN (2025 Update)
- Johnson City Solar Installation Cost: $20,590
- 25-Year Savings: $20,625
- Payback Period: 14.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnson City
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Johnson City.
The average cost of solar panels in Johnson City is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Johnson City is around 8.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $20,590 for a solar installation, or $29,444 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will differ based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Johnson City homeowner can save around $16,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the benefits of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar company in Johnson City for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Johnson City
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-19,122 |
| 3 years | $-16,185 |
| 5 years | $-13,249 |
| 7 years | $-10,313 |
| 9 years | $-7,377 |
| 11 years | $-4,440 |
| 13 years | $-1,504 |
| 15 years | $1,432 |
| 17 years | $4,368 |
| 19 years | $7,304 |
| 21 years | $10,241 |
| 23 years | $13,177 |
| 25 years | $16,113 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnson City
Installing solar panels on your own can be a difficult task, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re not certain what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
See all of the solar companies in Johnson City
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Johnson City
The cost of installing a solar system in Johnson City can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Johnson City, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past energy bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,580 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want 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 more savings over time. Plus, 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 utility bills over many years, but they can also be a big investment. That’s why many Johnson City homeowners opt 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 the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Johnson City is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also fit into 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 | $3.72 | $15,637 | $9,882 | 15.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.65 | $20,449 | $13,577 | 15.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.58 | $25,060 | $17,473 | 14.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.51 | $29,471 | $21,569 | 14.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.44 | $33,681 | $25,865 | 14.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.37 | $37,690 | $30,362 | 13.8 years |
| 18 kW | $3.29 | $41,499 | $35,060 | 13.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.22 | $45,108 | $39,958 | 13.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: If you’re worried about the durability of your solar panel system, checking if your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers carry the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you go with.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 past customers.
EcoWatch's Johnson City, TN Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Johnson City?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $17,900 for a 5-kW system and $35,800 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 above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Johnson City?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Johnson City?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.