Solar Panel Cost Guide in Las Cruces, NM (2024 Update)
- Las Cruces Solar Installation Cost: $14,816
- 25-Year Savings: $27,341
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Las Cruces
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Las Cruces.
The average cost of solar panels in Las Cruces is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Las Cruces is around 5.4 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $14,816 for a solar installation, or $21,187 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
Keep in mind that the numbers above are only averages. The price you’ll pay for solar may vary based on your household energy needs, the type of solar system you want, your solar contractor and more.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $26,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in Las Cruces for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Las Cruces
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,989 |
| 3 years | $-12,336 |
| 5 years | $-10,683 |
| 7 years | $-9,030 |
| 9 years | $-7,377 |
| 11 years | $-5,724 |
| 13 years | $-4,071 |
| 15 years | $-2,418 |
| 17 years | $-765 |
| 19 years | $888 |
| 21 years | $2,541 |
| 23 years | $4,194 |
| 25 years | $5,847 |
Top Solar Installers in Las Cruces
Many homeowners decide to hire a solar installer since trying to put up solar panels yourself can be a lot of work. Since solar panels are exposed to the elements every day, warranties and repairs from your solar installer can help you get the most out of your investment in solar panels by reducing potential costs down the line.
If you’d like to go solar but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
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
See all of the solar companies in Las Cruces
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Las Cruces
There are several factors that can determine your solar panel 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
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more power your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend about $3,930 per kilowatt in Las Cruces.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you pick also changes the cost. Generally speaking, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. In addition, the type of equipment you choose 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 in cash is too expensive, solar loans are a solid route because they reduce your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over a term of, on average, between five and seven years.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you choose to go with a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar panel system can impact the cost. Las Cruces’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Larger national companies usually have lower costs, but some local companies compete 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 | $4.09 | $17,166 | $24,549 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.01 | $22,448 | $33,172 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.93 | $27,510 | $42,016 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.85 | $32,352 | $51,079 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.77 | $36,973 | $60,362 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.69 | $41,375 | $69,866 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.62 | $45,557 | $79,590 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.54 | $49,518 | $89,533 | 8.9 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:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer support, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: An all-inclusive, long-term warranty can help keep your solar system running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it thoroughly so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- 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 model 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 offerings 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
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
EcoWatch's Las Cruces, NM Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Las Cruces?
The average cost of solar panels in Las Cruces is about $19,650 for a 5-kW system and $39,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on stuff such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Las Cruces?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t afford to pay upfront or get 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 bang for your buck from going solar.
Does Las Cruces 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 utility bills.
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 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.