Solar Panel Cost Guide in Atchison, KS (2024 Update)
- Atchison Solar Installation Cost: $18,476
- 25-Year Savings: $28,545
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Atchison
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Atchison.
In Atchison, solar panels cost about 3 per watt on average.Since a 7.9-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Atchison, the average price of going solar will be about $18,476 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Atchison depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.With average savings of about $21,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Atchison find installing solar panels can pay off big.
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 Atchison
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-17,132 |
| 3 years | $-14,443 |
| 5 years | $-11,754 |
| 7 years | $-9,065 |
| 9 years | $-6,377 |
| 11 years | $-3,688 |
| 13 years | $-999 |
| 15 years | $1,690 |
| 17 years | $4,379 |
| 19 years | $7,068 |
| 21 years | $9,756 |
| 23 years | $12,445 |
| 25 years | $15,134 |
Top Solar Installers in Atchison
Putting up solar panels yourself can be a challenging project, which is why hiring a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar company can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by avoiding potential costs down the line.
Working with a licensed solar company can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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 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
The cost of installing a solar system in Atchison 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 your home needs, 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 adopting solar energy 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 pay around $3,340 per kilowatt in Atchison.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Atchison, where sunlight is relatively abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of 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 Atchison to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar company in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also result in higher prices 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 significantly.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installation company you pick will influence your total cost to make the switch to solar energy. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $3.47 | $14,589 | $17,961 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $3.41 | $19,078 | $24,323 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.34 | $23,380 | $30,871 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.27 | $27,495 | $37,606 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.21 | $31,423 | $44,529 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.14 | $35,164 | $51,638 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.07 | $38,717 | $58,934 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.01 | $42,084 | $66,418 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer’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 part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- 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 most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will carry different brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar company you’re considering has it.
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 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 $16,700 for a 5-kW system and $33,400 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type 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 option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.
Does Atchison have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage 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.