Solar Panel Cost Guide in Atlas, MI (2025 Update)
- Atlas Solar Installation Cost: $17,718
- 25-Year Savings: $16,774
- Payback Period: 15.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Atlas
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Atlas.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Atlas it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Atlas is around 6.2 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $17,718 for a solar installation, or $25,337 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll end up paying for solar may look quite different based on your household energy needs, the type of equipment you want to get, your solar contractor and more.But, after you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually rewarding, with a net average savings of about $18,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar panel company in Atlas for a customized estimate.
Solar savings over time in Atlas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-16,464 |
| 3 years | $-13,957 |
| 5 years | $-11,449 |
| 7 years | $-8,942 |
| 9 years | $-6,434 |
| 11 years | $-3,927 |
| 13 years | $-1,420 |
| 15 years | $1,088 |
| 17 years | $3,595 |
| 19 years | $6,103 |
| 21 years | $8,610 |
| 23 years | $11,117 |
| 25 years | $13,625 |
Top Solar Installers in Atlas
When going solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. The expertise that solar companies offer can be useful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what type of solar equipment would be right for your home.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Atlas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Atlas
For many Atlas homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Atlas, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panel systems varies by thousands of dollars due to a few different factors. One of the major factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with higher efficiency or power production need better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $4,060.There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you choose can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over time, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Atlas homeowners opt to finance their solar panel systems to make going solar more affordable.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a part in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies in Atlas, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $4.22 | $17,734 | $10,212 | 15.9 years |
| 8 kW | $4.14 | $23,191 | $14,070 | 15.6 years |
| 10 kW | $4.06 | $28,420 | $18,156 | 15.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.98 | $33,422 | $22,470 | 14.9 years |
| 14 kW | $3.90 | $38,196 | $27,010 | 14.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.82 | $42,744 | $31,779 | 14.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.74 | $47,064 | $36,774 | 14.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.65 | $51,156 | $41,997 | 13.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will impact not only your total 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 consider, including:
- Installation Process: Make sure you’re aligned with the company in regard to how the installation process will go and what needs to be done before your solar panel system is installed, such as updating your electrical system or roof.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Even though there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure to read it through completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and what services you can expect from them.
- Reputation: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years in most cases offer high-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
EcoWatch's Atlas, MI Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Atlas?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Atlas?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Atlas?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future energy bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although 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 their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can opt to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using 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.