Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alamogordo, NM (2023 Update)
- Alamogordo Solar Installation Cost: $10,229
- 25-Year Savings: $32,252
- Payback Period: 6.0 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alamogordo
Find out what the average cost of installing solar panels is in Alamogordo.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Alamogordo generally cost around 2.68. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Alamogordo, most homeowners require a 5.5-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,224, or $14,620 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar will differ based on your household energy needs, the type of solar panels you want, your solar contractor and more. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average Alamogordo homeowners see about $30,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alamogordo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,088 |
| 3 years | $-9,805 |
| 5 years | $-9,521 |
| 7 years | $-9,238 |
| 9 years | $-8,955 |
| 11 years | $-8,672 |
| 13 years | $-8,388 |
| 15 years | $-8,105 |
| 17 years | $-7,822 |
| 19 years | $-7,539 |
| 21 years | $-7,256 |
| 23 years | $-6,972 |
| 25 years | $-6,689 |
Top Solar Installers in Alamogordo
Many homeowners decide to use a solar panel company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you're unsure what type of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar installer to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Alamogordo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alamogordo
For many Alamogordo homeowners, the decision to adopt solar energy rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Alamogordo, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are various factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by nearly $2,680. The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will significantly influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Further, solar equipment consists of more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to make decisions about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that's in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Alamogordo, which can lower, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for Alamogordo homeowners, they can also raise the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Alamogordo's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually 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 | $2.79 | $11,706 | $35,038 | 6.3 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $47,018 | 6.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $59,148 | 6.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $71,427 | 5.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $83,857 | 5.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $96,437 | 5.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $109,167 | 5.5 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $122,047 | 5.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the brand of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system's durability and efficiency, it's important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you need to install plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by confirming it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
EcoWatch's Alamogordo, NM Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alamogordo?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 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 consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Alamogordo?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 home 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.
Is switching to solar power worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like the cost of electricity near you and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can usually produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average house will need 20 to 35 panels.
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.