Solar Panel Cost Guide in Aztec, NM (2023 Update)
- Aztec Solar Installation Cost: $10,843
- 25-Year Savings: $23,943
- Payback Period: 7.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Aztec
We break down average solar pricing in Aztec.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Aztec it's 2.68 per watt. The average solar panel system size in Aztec is around 5.8 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $10,843 for a solar installation, or $15,505 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go higher or lower than the average in Aztec based on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire. With average savings of about $23,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Aztec find investing in solar can be quite rewarding.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a personalized quote.
Solar savings over time in Aztec
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,727 |
| 3 years | $-10,495 |
| 5 years | $-10,263 |
| 7 years | $-10,031 |
| 9 years | $-9,799 |
| 11 years | $-9,567 |
| 13 years | $-9,335 |
| 15 years | $-9,104 |
| 17 years | $-8,872 |
| 19 years | $-8,640 |
| 21 years | $-8,408 |
| 23 years | $-8,176 |
| 25 years | $-7,944 |
Top Solar Installers in Aztec
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra energy and know-how. For that reason, the majority of homeowners choose a solar panel installer. Also, companies with a good reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long term due to their warranties, repair services and expert design.
If you'd like to make the switch to solar but still aren't certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
See all of the solar companies in Aztec
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Aztec
For many Aztec homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Aztec, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are several factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar panel system in Aztec, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home's energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,680 for each additional kilowatt you need. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also be more expensive. Plus, the type of equipment you're looking to get can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That's why many Aztec homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs. Even though solar loans make adopting solar energy more accessible for Aztec homeowners, they can also increase the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you make a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you get to install your solar system can play a part in determining how much you pay. Aztec's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Some companies only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It's best to do some research and choose a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $24,405 | 8.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $32,840 | 7.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $41,425 | 7.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $50,160 | 7.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $59,045 | 7.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $68,080 | 7.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $77,266 | 7.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $86,601 | 7.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel brands and price points. To help you pick the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you'd like to get plays a role in which company you should choose, since different companies have access to different panels.
- 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 how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Warranty: A comprehensive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar panel system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
EcoWatch's Aztec, NM Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Aztec?
This is a tough question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 be more expensive if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. Conversely, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Are solar panels free in Aztec?
Solar panels aren't free in Aztec, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can further reduce the cost.
How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Aztec, 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 long do solar panels last in Aztec?
Even 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 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.