Solar Panel Cost Guide in Atchison, KS (Mar 2023)
- Atchison Solar Installation Cost: $14,323
- 25-Year Savings: $28,550
- Payback Period: 8.4 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Atchison
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar in Atchison.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Atchison it's 2.59 per watt. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Atchison, most homeowners require a 7.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $14,323, or $20,482 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average energy use of Atchison homeowners. 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. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Atchison homeowners see about $21,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
Click the button below to get connected to a reputable solar installer in Atchison for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Atchison
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,608 |
| 3 years | $-9,178 |
| 5 years | $-5,748 |
| 7 years | $-2,318 |
| 9 years | $1,111 |
| 11 years | $4,541 |
| 13 years | $7,971 |
| 15 years | $11,401 |
| 17 years | $14,831 |
| 19 years | $18,260 |
| 21 years | $21,690 |
| 23 years | $25,120 |
| 25 years | $28,550 |
Top Solar Installers in Atchison
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners prefer to go with a solar company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Atchison
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Atchison
For many Atchison homeowners, the decision to install solar panels depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Atchison, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Atchison, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by about $2,590 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. In general, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Atchison, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it's important to keep that in mind as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can influence your pricing. Atchison's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company's size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more 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 | $2.69 | $11,313 | $21,237 | 8.7 years |
| 8 kW | $2.64 | $14,794 | $28,607 | 8.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.59 | $18,130 | $36,121 | 8.4 years |
| 12 kW | $2.54 | $21,321 | $43,780 | 8.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.49 | $24,367 | $51,585 | 8.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.43 | $27,268 | $59,534 | 7.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.38 | $30,023 | $67,628 | 7.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.33 | $32,634 | $75,868 | 7.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar company you choose will impact not only your total costs, but also the kinds 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 take into account, including:
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract carefully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about the project timeline.
- 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.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar system installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies have different brands and types of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Atchison, KS Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Atchison?
The average cost of solar panels in Atchison is about $12,950 for a 5-kW system and $25,900 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Atchison?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it usually 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 maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Atchison?
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.
How many solar panels do I need to power 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 install 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.