Solar Panel Cost Guide in Atlas, MI (Mar 2023)
- Atlas Solar Installation Cost: $12,254
- 25-Year Savings: $16,783
- Payback Period: 10.6 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Atlas
We go over average solar pricing in Atlas.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Atlas it's 2.81 per watt. Since a 6.2-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Atlas, the average price of going solar will be about $12,254 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just averages, and your own solar costs will vary based on factors unique to your home and what company you choose to go with. With typical savings of about $18,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Atlas 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 Atlas
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-11,093 |
| 3 years | $-8,770 |
| 5 years | $-6,447 |
| 7 years | $-4,124 |
| 9 years | $-1,801 |
| 11 years | $522 |
| 13 years | $2,845 |
| 15 years | $5,168 |
| 17 years | $7,491 |
| 19 years | $9,814 |
| 21 years | $12,137 |
| 23 years | $14,460 |
| 25 years | $16,783 |
Top Solar Installers in Atlas
Trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why getting a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Atlas, optimizing your ROI.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Atlas, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
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 install solar panels 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 number of factors that significantly influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the notable factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have higher efficiency or power production require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $2,810. The type of 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, higher efficiency could save you more over time on your energy bills. In addition, add-on products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Atlas average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on energy bills over time, but they can also be a big investment. That's why many Atlas homeowners decide to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. It's a good idea to include the interest you'll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and how long it'll take to pay back the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you hire to install your solar panels can impact how much it costs. Atlas' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or additional services like electric vehicle 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 | $2.92 | $12,274 | $15,672 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.87 | $16,051 | $21,210 | 10.8 years |
| 10 kW | $2.81 | $19,670 | $26,906 | 10.6 years |
| 12 kW | $2.75 | $23,132 | $32,760 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $2.70 | $26,436 | $38,770 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.64 | $29,584 | $44,939 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.59 | $32,574 | $51,264 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.53 | $35,406 | $57,747 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence 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 consider, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies will have various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, be sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren't sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- 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 good reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the best you can get in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
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
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Atlas?
The average cost of solar panels in Atlas is about $14,050 for a 5-kW system and $28,100 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things like the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Atlas?
You can't get solar panels for free in Atlas. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you'd rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Atlas?
Most states offer 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 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?
Though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is the amount of energy they produce will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can continue to use 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.