Solar Panel Cost Guide in Atlantic, IA (2023 Update)
- Atlantic Solar Installation Cost: $18,285
- 25-Year Savings: $25,327
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Atlantic
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Atlantic.
In Atlantic, solar panels cost about 2.77 per watt on average. To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Atlantic, most homeowners require a 9.4-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $18,285, or $26,148 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll end up paying for solar may vary based on your household energy consumption, the type of solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. Even with the large initial cost, the average Atlantic homeowner can save around $18,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free estimate from a vetted solar installer in Atlantic, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Atlantic
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,540 |
| 3 years | $-13,051 |
| 5 years | $-9,562 |
| 7 years | $-6,073 |
| 9 years | $-2,585 |
| 11 years | $904 |
| 13 years | $4,393 |
| 15 years | $7,882 |
| 17 years | $11,371 |
| 19 years | $14,860 |
| 21 years | $18,349 |
| 23 years | $21,838 |
| 25 years | $25,327 |
Top Solar Installers in Atlantic
Although you can install solar panels yourself, it involves extra labor and expertise. Because of that, almost all homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. A solar company can also help save you money over the lifespan of your system by offering warranties, repairs and system component replacements.
Working with a vetted solar company can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Atlantic
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Atlantic
The cost of installing a solar system in Atlantic can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost depends on several factors. The most significant one is the size of the system you need, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $2,770 per kilowatt in Atlantic. The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you'll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your power bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Atlantic average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Atlantic offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a higher down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar panels can impact the cost. Atlantic's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies typically have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric car charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.88 | $12,099 | $15,639 | 10.9 years |
| 8 kW | $2.83 | $15,822 | $21,162 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $2.77 | $19,390 | $26,840 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $2.71 | $22,803 | $32,674 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.66 | $26,060 | $38,662 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.60 | $29,163 | $44,806 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.55 | $32,110 | $51,105 | 9.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.49 | $34,902 | $57,559 | 9.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you go with 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, such as:
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: When looking through your solar company's contract, ask questions about any terms you're not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or the company going out of business.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry various brands and types of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you're considering has it.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- 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 Atlantic, IA Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Atlantic?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,850 for a 5-kW system and $27,700 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Atlantic?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won't increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to get the most savings.
Do solar panels increase your home value?
Buying or financing solar panels for your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Atlantic is currently $121,200, so you could be looking at a value of about $4,969 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Atlantic is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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 cover 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.