Solar Panel Cost Guide in Johnstown, NY (2024 Update)
- Johnstown Solar Installation Cost: $11,407
- 25-Year Savings: $6,988
- Payback Period: 17.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Johnstown
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Johnstown.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Johnstown generally cost about 4.Because a 4.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Johnstown, the average price of going solar will be about $11,407 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Johnstown depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically fruitful, with a net average savings of about $14,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Johnstown
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,498 |
| 3 years | $-8,681 |
| 5 years | $-6,864 |
| 7 years | $-5,047 |
| 9 years | $-3,230 |
| 11 years | $-1,412 |
| 13 years | $405 |
| 15 years | $2,222 |
| 17 years | $4,039 |
| 19 years | $5,856 |
| 21 years | $7,673 |
| 23 years | $9,490 |
| 25 years | $11,308 |
Top Solar Installers in Johnstown
Installing solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming task, which is why hiring a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. The expertise that solar companies provide can be valuable as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what kind of solar equipment you need.
If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Johnstown, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
For many Johnstown homeowners, the decision to go solar rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Johnstown, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar 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 $3,650. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Johnstown, where sunlight isn’t as abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, 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
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Johnstown homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to make paying for solar more affordable.Although solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Johnstown homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the growing popularity of clean energy solutions in Johnstown, you’ll have lots of options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.Additionally, some companies in Johnstown know more about local solar incentives and can help you make good use of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for that service. 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 | $3.80 | $15,943 | $5,838 | 18.3 years |
| 8 kW | $3.72 | $20,849 | $8,193 | 17.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.65 | $25,550 | $10,752 | 17.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.58 | $30,047 | $13,515 | 17.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.50 | $34,339 | $16,483 | 16.9 years |
| 16 kW | $3.43 | $38,427 | $19,656 | 16.5 years |
| 18 kW | $3.36 | $42,311 | $23,032 | 16.2 years |
| 20 kW | $3.29 | $45,990 | $26,613 | 15.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Johnstown, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: If you’re concerned about the longevity of your solar energy system, making sure your installer offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can give you some peace of mind.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they know how exactly the installation process will go, as well as important factors like the project completion timeline.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
Best Regional Coverage
Momentum Solar
- Great warranty coverage
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Concierge service ensures steady communication
- Slightly limited service offerings
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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, NY Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Johnstown?
The average cost of solar panels in Johnstown is about $18,250 for a 5-kW system and $36,500 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on certain factors like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The upfront cost is a key factor to consider, but whether it’s the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In areas where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Is it worth going solar in Johnstown?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How long do solar panels last in Johnstown?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is how much energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use them at a lower efficiency.
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.