Solar Panel Cost Guide in Las Cruces, NM (2023 Update)
- Las Cruces Solar Installation Cost: $10,112
- 25-Year Savings: $27,333
- Payback Period: 6.7 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Las Cruces
See how much it might cost to install solar panels in Las Cruces.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Las Cruces typically cost around 2.68. Because a 5.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Las Cruces, the average price of going solar will be about $10,112 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 30%.
These figures are just estimates, and the cost of going solar for you will most likely vary based on the amount of energy your home requires and what company you go with. Many homeowners find adopting solar power is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Las Cruces can save about $26,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Las Cruces
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,614 |
| 3 years | $-5,618 |
| 5 years | $-2,623 |
| 7 years | $373 |
| 9 years | $3,368 |
| 11 years | $6,364 |
| 13 years | $9,360 |
| 15 years | $12,355 |
| 17 years | $15,351 |
| 19 years | $18,346 |
| 21 years | $21,342 |
| 23 years | $24,337 |
| 25 years | $27,333 |
Top Solar Installers in Las Cruces
Although it's possible to install solar panels yourself, it involves extra energy and handiness. That's one of the reasons most homeowners choose to go with a solar panel installer. Another upside of using a solar company is that they can help you make the most of your investment by lowering your future costs of repairs and replacements because of warranties and helping you learn about local incentives you can take advantage of.
There are a number of licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Las Cruces
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Las Cruces
There are several factors that can influence your installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay about $2,680 per kilowatt in Las Cruces. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Typically, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you're looking to get 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
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a popular option because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by putting more money down.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can play a part in determining the cost. Las Cruces' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies keep up with them by promoting sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have specific equipment options like Tesla Powerwall batteries or extra services like electric vehicle charger installation, they might be cheaper overall.
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 | $30,009 | 7.0 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $40,312 | 6.9 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $50,766 | 6.7 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $61,369 | 6.6 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $72,122 | 6.5 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $83,026 | 6.3 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $94,080 | 6.2 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $105,283 | 6.1 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will affect not only your total costs, but also the types of solar panel brands, warranties, and other equipment you have access to. When choosing a solar company, there are a few important things you should consider, including:
- Reputation: Solar installers that have great reviews from their customers and that have been in business for many years likely offer good-quality solar panel installation and expertise.
- Warranty: Many companies offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model offers varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose has an impact on which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Contract: It's important to look over your solar installer's contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Warranty Coverage
Sunpro Solar
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
EcoWatch's Las Cruces, NM Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Las Cruces?
The average cost of solar panels in Las Cruces is about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Can you get solar panels for free in Las Cruces?
Solar panels aren't free in Las Cruces, but there are some options that can make getting them more affordable, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Is it worth going solar in Las Cruces?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get a lot of direct sunlight and/or your power bills are already pretty low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for 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.