Solar Panel Cost Guide in Gallup, NM (2023 Update)
- Gallup Solar Installation Cost: $10,806
- 25-Year Savings: $21,996
- Payback Period: 8.2 Years
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Updated May 04, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Gallup
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Gallup.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Gallup it's 2.68 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.8-kW system would cost about $10,806 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you'll pay for solar may look quite different based on your household energy consumption, the type of equipment you choose, your solar contractor and more. Many homeowners find installing a solar panel system is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Gallup can save about $22,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Gallup
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,494 |
| 3 years | $-6,870 |
| 5 years | $-4,245 |
| 7 years | $-1,621 |
| 9 years | $1,003 |
| 11 years | $3,627 |
| 13 years | $6,251 |
| 15 years | $8,875 |
| 17 years | $11,499 |
| 19 years | $14,124 |
| 21 years | $16,748 |
| 23 years | $19,372 |
| 25 years | $21,996 |
Top Solar Installers in Gallup
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra labor and knowledge. For that reason, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be right for you.
If you're searching for a solar company in Gallup, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
See all of the solar companies in Gallup
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Gallup
While the average cost of a solar system in Gallup is $10,806, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar system installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the key factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems that have greater efficiency or power generation use 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 $2,680. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to install can affect your total cost. If you just need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Gallup, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. Although solar loans make going solar more accessible for Gallup homeowners, they can also increase 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 cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The last key cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Gallup, you'll have many options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. You may come across national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those larger companies.
Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size
| System size | Cost per system watt | Solar system cost | 25-Year savings | Payback period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 kW | $2.79 | $11,706 | $22,478 | 8.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $30,271 | 8.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $38,214 | 8.2 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $46,306 | 8.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $54,549 | 7.9 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $62,943 | 7.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $71,486 | 7.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $80,179 | 7.4 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar panel company you opt for will be a major factor in determining not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you can get. When choosing a solar company, there are several important things you should consider, such as:
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, be sure to read it through carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you're not certain about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have demonstrated 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar companies offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you opt for.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a quality company.
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Gallup, NM Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Gallup?
The average cost of solar panels in Gallup is about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on stuff like the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is cost the most important consideration when buying solar panels?
The initial cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your goals for going solar. In places where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can trump the cost. Other factors that are important to think about are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on your location 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 $1,139.47 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 buy 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.
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.