Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnstown, OH (2024 Update)
- Johnstown Solar Installation Cost: $18,121
- 25-Year Savings: $19,483
- Payback Period: 13.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnstown
We break down average solar pricing in Johnstown.
The average cost of a solar system in Johnstown is 3 per watt.Because a 7.6-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Johnstown, the average price of going solar will be about $18,121 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Johnstown homeowner. The price of a solar system for your home may look different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor.Even with the high upfront cost, the average Johnstown homeowner can save about $17,000 on their electricity 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 Johnstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,789 |
| 3 years | $-14,125 |
| 5 years | $-11,460 |
| 7 years | $-8,796 |
| 9 years | $-6,132 |
| 11 years | $-3,468 |
| 13 years | $-804 |
| 15 years | $1,860 |
| 17 years | $4,524 |
| 19 years | $7,188 |
| 21 years | $9,852 |
| 23 years | $12,516 |
| 25 years | $15,180 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnstown
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it takes extra labor and handiness. That's why most homeowners choose a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Johnstown
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Johnstown
The cost of installing a solar system in Johnstown can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The biggest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include the equipment you choose, financing options and the solar company you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 spend about $3,410 per kilowatt in Johnstown.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Johnstown, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Johnstown to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, almost every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in a higher cost over time due to interest.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, including the amount of interest you’ll pay over the length of the loan. If you’re only able to get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars more than the original cost. Making a larger down payment or securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Johnstown is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to 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.The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to greater 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 discount can bring their pricing lower 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 | $3.55 | $14,895 | $11,256 | 14.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.48 | $19,478 | $15,390 | 14.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.41 | $23,870 | $19,714 | 13.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.34 | $28,071 | $24,230 | 13.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.27 | $32,081 | $28,937 | 13.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.21 | $35,900 | $33,835 | 12.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.14 | $39,529 | $38,923 | 12.6 years |
| 20 kW | $3.07 | $42,966 | $44,203 | 12.3 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the company you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will offer different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar panel company you’re considering has it.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information 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.
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the endurance of your solar energy system, verifying that your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
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 Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
Best Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Johnstown, OH Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Johnstown?
The average cost of solar panels in Johnstown is about $17,050 for a 5-kW system and $34,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?
Cost is without a doubt one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like local electricity rates and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for 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 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.