Solar Panel Cost Guide in Bernalillo, NM (2025 Update)
- Bernalillo Solar Installation Cost: $15,677
- 25-Year Savings: $28,884
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Bernalillo
We break down average solar pricing in Bernalillo.
The average cost of a solar system in Bernalillo is 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Bernalillo, most homeowners require a 5.7-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,677, or $22,418 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar energy system could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary quite a bit based on a few factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.With average savings of about $26,000 on electricity bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Bernalillo find installing solar panels can pay off big.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Bernalillo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,589 |
| 3 years | $-12,412 |
| 5 years | $-10,234 |
| 7 years | $-8,057 |
| 9 years | $-5,880 |
| 11 years | $-3,703 |
| 13 years | $-1,525 |
| 15 years | $652 |
| 17 years | $2,829 |
| 19 years | $5,006 |
| 21 years | $7,184 |
| 23 years | $9,361 |
| 25 years | $11,538 |
Top Solar Installers in Bernalillo
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it involves extra energy and knowledge. That's one of the reasons most people choose to go with a solar panel installer. The expertise that solar companies offer can be helpful as well, particularly if you don’t quite know what brand of solar equipment you need.
You can work with a local solar installer to get a free quote on the cost of solar panels for your home. Here are some near you:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Bernalillo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bernalillo
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who want to invest in solar. There are a few major factors that affect your total cost in Bernalillo: 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
The cost of solar panel systems 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 with better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can increase costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,930.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Bernalillo, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or you don’t have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is out of reach, solar loans are a solid route because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and how long it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bernalillo is the company you choose to install your solar system. As with choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Some companies only sell high-efficiency and high-priced products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for 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 | $4.09 | $17,166 | $24,500 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.01 | $22,448 | $33,107 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.93 | $27,510 | $41,933 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.85 | $32,352 | $50,980 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.77 | $36,973 | $60,247 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.69 | $41,375 | $69,734 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.62 | $45,557 | $79,442 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.54 | $49,518 | $89,369 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will affect not only your total 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, such as:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: Read the contract terms thoroughly to make sure you understand the cost breakdown, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Bernalillo, NM Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Bernalillo?
The average cost of solar panels in Bernalillo is about $19,650 for a 5-kW system and $39,300 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 use.
Can you get solar panels for free in Bernalillo?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Bernalillo. 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 prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
How much can I save on power bills after switching to solar?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,388.87 per year.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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.