Solar Panel Cost Guide in La Cienega, NM (2023 Update)
- La Cienega Solar Installation Cost: $10,603
- 25-Year Savings: $28,317
- Payback Period: 6.8 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in La Cienega
Find out what the average cost of a solar system is 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 2.68 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.7-kW system would cost about $10,599 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average La Cienega homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to you, like your household energy use and solar contractor. For most homeowners, the upfront investment in solar is worth paying. On average you could be looking at about $26,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential ROI and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in La Cienega
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-9,515 |
| 3 years | $-7,337 |
| 5 years | $-5,160 |
| 7 years | $-2,983 |
| 9 years | $-806 |
| 11 years | $1,371 |
| 13 years | $3,549 |
| 15 years | $5,726 |
| 17 years | $7,903 |
| 19 years | $10,080 |
| 21 years | $12,258 |
| 23 years | $14,435 |
| 25 years | $16,612 |
Top Solar Installers in La Cienega
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Taking advantage of a solar panel installer can make your swap to solar power much easier. Plus, if you're unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you may need, a solar company can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in La Cienega
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in La Cienega
The cost of installing a solar system in La Cienega can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is determined by several factors. The largest one is the size of the system your household needs, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy system you need, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most important cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,680. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will greatly impact costs. Solar panels that are more efficient, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when researching a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for solar panels in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years. Though solar loans make going solar more accessible for La Cienega homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate and how long you take to pay off the loan. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can avoid paying as much in interest.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final factor to consider when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in La Cienega is the company you choose to install your PV system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for example, there are plenty of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets. 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 come with an above-average cost. It's best to do some research and find a company that offers 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 | $2.79 | $11,706 | $29,609 | 7.1 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $39,779 | 6.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $50,099 | 6.8 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $60,569 | 6.7 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $71,189 | 6.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $81,959 | 6.4 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $92,880 | 6.3 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $103,950 | 6.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you decide on the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when adopting solar power is the installation process itself. Be sure to clarify any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract well to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by previous customers and solar experts like EcoWatch.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a significant role in the company you go with.
EcoWatch's La Cienega, NM Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in La Cienega?
The average cost of solar panels in La Cienega 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 type 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?
Cost is a very important factor to consider, but whether it's the most important for you depends on your reasons for going solar. In cities where rooftop space is limited, efficiency can be more important than the cost. Other factors that are important to be mindful of are the quality and durability of your solar panels.
How much can I save on electricity bills after installing solar panels?
It is possible to eradicate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout La Cienega, 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 many solar panels do I need to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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 household 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.