Solar Panel Cost Guide in Atlas, MI (2024 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.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Atlas, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Because a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Atlas, the average price of going solar will be about $17,718 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you choose to go with.For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $18,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Atlas for a quote for your home.
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 making the switch to solar, many homeowners decide to go with a solar installation company since putting up solar panels yourself can be a difficult project. Also, companies with an outstanding reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long run because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free estimate on how much solar panels could cost for your home. Here are some nearby:
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
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
See all of the solar companies in Atlas
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Atlas
For many Atlas homeowners, the decision to go solar comes down to 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 various factors that greatly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
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 power your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $4,060 per kilowatt in Atlas.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you get the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, more efficient panels could save you more over time on your electric bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Atlas average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Atlas have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When figuring out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact the cost. Atlas’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to access to more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger names.
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
There are numerous companies available in Atlas, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and how long the project will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar installer, make sure you read it through carefully 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: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
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
Solar Veteran
Michigan Solar Solutions
- Great warranty coverage
- Outstanding customer service
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Slightly limited service offerings
- No leases or PPAs
Outstanding Local Installer
Strawberry Solar
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
- Educational, no-pressure sales approach
- Limited warranty coverage
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
EcoWatch's Atlas, MI Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Atlas?
The average cost of solar panels in Atlas is about $20,300 for a 5-kW system and $40,600 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Atlas?
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 can’t take advantage of 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 savings from going solar.
Does Atlas have a net metering program?
The majority of states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility 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?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency decreases by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.