Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gallup, NM (2025 Update)
- Gallup Solar Installation Cost: $15,838
- 25-Year Savings: $10,669
- Payback Period: 12.1 Years
See cost of a solar system near you:
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gallup
Let’s take a look at the average cost of solar in Gallup.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gallup it’s 4 per watt.The average Gallup homeowner needs a 5.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,838 with the federal tax credit, or $22,648 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true cost of your system can go above or below the average in Gallup depending 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 Gallup homeowners see about $22,000 in savings on electricity bills over 20 years.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by the EcoWatch team, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gallup
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,778 |
| 3 years | $-12,657 |
| 5 years | $-10,537 |
| 7 years | $-8,416 |
| 9 years | $-6,296 |
| 11 years | $-4,175 |
| 13 years | $-2,054 |
| 15 years | $66 |
| 17 years | $2,187 |
| 19 years | $4,308 |
| 21 years | $6,428 |
| 23 years | $8,549 |
| 25 years | $10,669 |
Top Solar Installers in Gallup
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar panel company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers nearby:
See all of the solar companies in Gallup
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gallup
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Gallup: 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
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The brand and kind of equipment you choose for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Plus, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Gallup, which can reduce, or in some cases totally eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it’s vital to keep that in mind as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you opt for to install your solar system can play a role in determining the cost. Gallup’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The company’s size sometimes plays the most significant role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of access to more resources and bulk 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 discount can bring their pricing lower to compete with bigger names.
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 | $17,018 | 12.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.01 | $22,448 | $23,131 | 12.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.93 | $27,510 | $29,464 | 12.1 years |
| 12 kW | $3.85 | $32,352 | $36,016 | 11.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.77 | $36,973 | $42,789 | 11.6 years |
| 16 kW | $3.69 | $41,375 | $49,783 | 11.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.62 | $45,557 | $56,996 | 11.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.54 | $49,518 | $64,429 | 10.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Gallup, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a part breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a respected certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to get the job done well. Another way you can verify your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
EcoWatch's Gallup, NM Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gallup?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,650 for a 5-kW system and $39,300 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 higher-than-average energy usage. Conversely, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Gallup?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure 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.
Does Gallup have a net metering program?
Most states have net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can get paid for the extra power your system generates or or receive credits to put toward future utility bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and the amount of sunlight your roof gets. You can 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.