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
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alamosa
Let's have a look at the average cost of solar panels in Alamosa.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Alamosa it's 2.69 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 4.9-kW system would cost about $9,227 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Remember that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy use, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Alamosa homeowners see about $25,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alamosa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-7,931 |
| 3 years | $-5,339 |
| 5 years | $-2,747 |
| 7 years | $-155 |
| 9 years | $2,437 |
| 11 years | $5,029 |
| 13 years | $7,621 |
| 15 years | $10,213 |
| 17 years | $12,805 |
| 19 years | $15,397 |
| 21 years | $17,988 |
| 23 years | $20,580 |
| 25 years | $23,172 |
Top Solar Installers in Alamosa
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be hard. Plus, if you'd like to maximize your investment in solar, going with a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on solar panel installation and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
If you're searching for a solar company in Alamosa, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Alamosa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alamosa
Cost is typically one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary 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 discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant 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 energy your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $2,690 per kilowatt in Alamosa. Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Alamosa, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Alamosa, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it's vital to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last major cost factor you should keep in mind is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of sustainable energy solutions in Alamosa, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in the installation 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 can sometimes have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- 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: Solar panel companies that have great reviews from their customers and that have been operating for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Contract: Though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which kind of solar panel you can get, not every company will have access to the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of options before making your decision.
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries (coming 2022)
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 Alamosa, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alamosa?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Alamosa?
You can't get solar panels for free in Alamosa. However, you may still be able to install 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.
How much can I save on energy bills after switching to solar?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Alamosa, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you'll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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.