Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Cienega, NM (2025 Update)
- La Cienega Solar Installation Cost: $15,549
- 25-Year Savings: $28,317
- Payback Period: 10.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Cienega
We break down average solar pricing in La Cienega.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in La Cienega, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in La Cienega is around 5.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,549 for a solar installation, or $22,235 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of the cost of a solar energy system. The exact cost of going solar can vary depending on multiple factors, such as what size system you need, your energy consumption and what company you go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average La Cienega homeowner can save around $26,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar installer in your area for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in La Cienega
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-14,460 |
3 years | $-12,283 |
5 years | $-10,106 |
7 years | $-7,929 |
9 years | $-5,751 |
11 years | $-3,574 |
13 years | $-1,397 |
15 years | $780 |
17 years | $2,958 |
19 years | $5,135 |
21 years | $7,312 |
23 years | $9,489 |
25 years | $11,666 |
Top Solar Installers in La Cienega
When making the switch to solar, many homeowners opt to use a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. A solar installer can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in La Cienega:
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 La Cienega
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Cienega
There are a number of criteria that can influence your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar panels.
Solar Equipment
Solar system size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that determines the overall cost of going solar. For that reason, it’s a priority to accurately ascertain the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your average energy use.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. Usually, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is difficult, solar loans are an affordable route because they cut back your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to estimate the cost of solar for your home or business in La Cienega is the company you hire to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Companies that 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 come at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and go with the company that provides the products, warranties and services you want and also fits within 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 | $24,149 | 10.4 years |
8 kW | $4.01 | $22,448 | $32,639 | 10.2 years |
10 kW | $3.93 | $27,510 | $41,349 | 10.0 years |
12 kW | $3.85 | $32,352 | $50,279 | 9.8 years |
14 kW | $3.77 | $36,973 | $59,429 | 9.6 years |
16 kW | $3.69 | $41,375 | $68,799 | 9.4 years |
18 kW | $3.62 | $45,557 | $78,390 | 9.2 years |
20 kW | $3.54 | $49,518 | $88,200 | 9.0 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies to choose from in La Cienega, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established 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 research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar energy 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 how long the project will take.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their roof configurations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to ask for their list of options before deciding.
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 La Cienega, NM Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in La Cienega?
This is a tough question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally 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 be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality 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 less efficient solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in La Cienega?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property 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 La Cienega have a net metering program?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy usage and how much 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 get 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.