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Last Updated: February 25, 2025
Rooftop solar is one of the most easily accessible forms of renewable energy for Johnston homeowners. Solar power can cut your energy costs and lower your carbon footprint. However, it's important to select a reputable solar installer. Luckily, we've done the research and created a guide to the best and most reputable solar installation providers in Johnston.
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Informative resources
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Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Prompt service delivery
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Free quotes
Reliable customer support
Clear pricing policy
Informative resources
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Informative resources
Free quotes
Clear pricing policy
Reliable customer support
Services Offered
Our Rating
User Rating
Clear pricing policy
Free quotes
Informative resources
Services Offered
Today's Homeowner looks at dozens of datapoints on solar companies to come up with our data-driven rankings. It's not possible for a company to pay for preferential treatment in our rankings. We look at the following key factors in determining who should top our list:
Adopting solar power lets homeowners cut utility bills while benefiting the planet by reducing your carbon footprint using clean energy. If you’re deciding whether to go solar, consider these key factors for choosing an installer.
Make sure you hire a licensed solar installer. This help guarantee that the work is done properly using current installation best practices. In Iowa, anyone making at least $2,000 per year from non-DIY solar or electrical work is a contractor and must pursue licensure from the Division of Labor. To install solar photovoltaic systems, a company will need an journeyman or electrical contractor license.
Check the Better Business Bureau (BBB), TrustPilot, Google Reviews, and other review sites to see what past customers have to say about local solar companies. Detailed reviews on these platforms can help you assess a provider's integrity and customer service. Avoid providers with few or mainly poor reviews.
To find a solar installer that works with your budget, get free, detailed quotes from at least three providers. The quotes should list all costs as well as all solar equipment included. Comparing several quotes helps you identify the option that best fits your budget.
Top-notch solar installations should come with strong workmanship and performance guarantees. A workmanship guarantee covers installation issues, such as poor alignment, poor wiring, or cracks in the panels. A performance warranty ensures a minimum energy output. Comprehensive warranties indicate that a solar company believes in its work.
Solar energy can help decrease your energy expenses over time. Be sure to weigh these aspects when determining the cost and value of solar panels.
The cost of solar panels varies based on system capacity and the technology used. The typical Johnston solar array has a capacity of 9.6 kilowatts. Homeowners in the area should expect to pay around $4,010 per kilowatt; the average Johnston homeowners spends roughly $26,849 on a new solar array after accounting for federal tax breaks. (Some homeowners prefer to lease solar panels to lower their upfront costs.) A personalized quote from a local solar provider will account for factors such as the panel type, size, and capacity of the planned system, and should include fees for preliminary work, permit fees, and labor.
Incentive Type: Property Tax Incentive
Incentive Amount:
100% of value added by renewable system
Generally speaking, a solar photovoltaic (PV) system can be used to power any household system or appliance that uses electricity. In the smallest case, you can use a solar water heater.
With home solar panels, you can save money on your energy bill, lower your home's carbon footprint, and be better prepared if there's an outage to the local grid.
Your installer can give you an estimate of what your energy bills will look like after you install solar panels. Generally, your energy bills will decrease significantly because you'll be using energy from the sun for free, instead of buying energy from the utility company. The average annual savings in Johnston amount to $1,536.
You might be pleasantly surprised at how quickly you can get a return on investment from your solar panels. The sun shines frequently in Johnston, meaning your payback period could last 17.5 years per 5 kW of capacity on the high end.
The specific required maintenance steps will vary based on the type of solar panels you have. At a minimum, you should clean and inspect each panel once a quarter. Your solar installer might offer comprehensive plans where they'll do the maintenance on your behalf.
The answer will depend on your specific needs and goals. For a typical home, monocrystalline solar panels are the most efficient for homes in Johnston. However, if lowering cost is your top priority, then you may want to consider polycrystalline or thin-film solar panels. When you're choosing a contractor, make sure to ask about the types of solar panels an installer offers and the benefits and drawbacks of each.
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