Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnson, VT (2023 Update)

  • Johnson Solar Installation Cost: $11,459
  • 25-Year Savings: $25,443
  • Payback Period: 7.8 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated September 15, 2023

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We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnson

We break down average solar pricing in Johnson.

While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Johnson typically cost around 2.87. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Johnson, most homeowners require a 5.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $11,451, or $16,375 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of solar panels. The exact cost of going solar can vary based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with. With typical savings of about $25,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Johnson find installing solar panels can pay off big.

Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Johnson for a custom estimate.

Solar savings over time in Johnson

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-10,128
3 years $-7,465
5 years $-4,802
7 years $-2,138
9 years $525
11 years $3,188
13 years $5,851
15 years $8,514
17 years $11,177
19 years $13,840
21 years $16,503
23 years $19,166
25 years $21,830

Top Solar Installers in Johnson

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by offering warranties, repairs and component replacements.

If you're searching for a solar company in Johnson, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Johnson

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Johnson

For many Johnson homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Johnson, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need to offset your energy usage, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, you can expect your total to increase by about $2,870. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In many cases, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Johnson to be prohibitively costly, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to paying more over time due to interest. When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you'll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Johnson is the company you hire to install your PV system. As with choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you'll have many options for solar installers that provide a range of services for different budgets. Additionally, some companies in Johnson are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. 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 $2.98 $12,536 $26,281 8.1 years
8 kW $2.93 $16,393 $35,363 7.9 years
10 kW $2.87 $20,090 $44,605 7.8 years
12 kW $2.81 $23,626 $54,008 7.6 years
14 kW $2.76 $27,001 $63,572 7.5 years
16 kW $2.70 $30,215 $73,297 7.3 years
18 kW $2.64 $33,269 $83,182 7.1 years
20 kW $2.58 $36,162 $93,228 7.0 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The solar panel company you choose will be a major factor in determining not only your overall costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should keep in mind, including:

  • Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
  • Reputation: Solar companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Installation Process: Make sure you're on the same page with the installer regarding how the installation process will go and what you need to do before your solar panels are installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2

  • 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 Johnson, VT Solar Cost FAQs

What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Johnson?

The average cost of solar panels in Johnson is about $14,350 for a 5-kW system and $28,700 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Johnson?

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 don't have access to 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 bang for your buck from going solar.

Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you're located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn't get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,293.90 per year.

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.

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