Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alamosa, CO (2023 Update)
- Alamosa Solar Installation Cost: $9,227
- 25-Year Savings: $23,172
- Payback Period: 7.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Updated September 15, 2023
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alamosa
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Alamosa.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Alamosa typically cost around 2.69. The average Alamosa homeowner needs a 4.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $9,227 with the federal tax credit, or $13,195 before the 30% tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Alamosa based on a variety of factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For many homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Alamosa homeowners see about $25,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alamosa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,119 |
| 3 years | $-8,903 |
| 5 years | $-8,687 |
| 7 years | $-8,471 |
| 9 years | $-8,255 |
| 11 years | $-8,039 |
| 13 years | $-7,823 |
| 15 years | $-7,607 |
| 17 years | $-7,391 |
| 19 years | $-7,175 |
| 21 years | $-6,959 |
| 23 years | $-6,743 |
| 25 years | $-6,527 |
Top Solar Installers in Alamosa
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to hire a solar installation company since handling can be a difficult project. Another perk of working with a solar installer is that they can help you maximize your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
See all of the solar companies in Alamosa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alamosa
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Alamosa: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We'll go over each of these briefly 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 around $2,690 per kilowatt in Alamosa. The model of solar panels and equipment you want is another factor that will considerably impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to be more costly. Plus, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Alamosa to be prohibitively expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Thankfully, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in higher prices over time due to interest. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your overall costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always lower the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence your pricing. Alamosa's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Alamosa are more knowledgeable about local solar incentives and can help you learn about additional rebates or tax exemptions. Though, they may charge more for that service. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.80 | $11,750 | $27,920 | 7.4 years |
| 8 kW | $2.74 | $15,365 | $37,528 | 7.3 years |
| 10 kW | $2.69 | $18,830 | $47,286 | 7.1 years |
| 12 kW | $2.64 | $22,144 | $57,195 | 7.0 years |
| 14 kW | $2.58 | $25,308 | $67,255 | 6.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.53 | $28,320 | $77,466 | 6.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,182 | $87,827 | 6.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.42 | $33,894 | $98,338 | 6.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you go with will affect not only your overall costs, but also the kinds of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, durability and energy efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose affects which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on part replacement and repairs.
- Contract: Before signing a contract with a solar company, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a high reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
EcoWatch's Alamosa, CO Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alamosa?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $13,450 for a 5-kW system and $26,900 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy needs. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider other than cost when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a crucial factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to take into account are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How will solar panels impact the value of my home?
Solar panels can increase the value of your home considerably as long as you buy or finance your panels and don't opt for a solar lease or power purchase agreement (PPA). According to research done by Zillow, the average home value increases by about 4.1% after installing solar panels."
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 account for 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.