Solar Panel Cost Guide in Los Alamos, NM (2023 Update)
- Los Alamos Solar Installation Cost: $10,779
- 25-Year Savings: $26,214
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Updated September 15, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Los Alamos
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in Los Alamos.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Los Alamos, the typical cost of solar panels is 2.68 per watt. To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Los Alamos, most homeowners require a 5.8-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $10,787, or $15,425 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
Remember 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 solar panels you want to get, your solar contractor and more. For many homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average Los Alamos homeowners see about $24,000 in savings on utility bills over 20 years.
To receive a free estimate from a pre-vetted solar installation company in Los Alamos, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Los Alamos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-10,656 |
| 3 years | $-10,409 |
| 5 years | $-10,163 |
| 7 years | $-9,916 |
| 9 years | $-9,669 |
| 11 years | $-9,423 |
| 13 years | $-9,176 |
| 15 years | $-8,930 |
| 17 years | $-8,683 |
| 19 years | $-8,436 |
| 21 years | $-8,190 |
| 23 years | $-7,943 |
| 25 years | $-7,696 |
Top Solar Installers in Los Alamos
Many homeowners opt for a solar panel installer since trying to install solar panels yourself can be time-consuming. The expertise that solar installers offer can be valuable as well, especially if you aren't sure what kind of solar equipment would be right for your home.
If you're looking for a solar installer in Los Alamos, we've organized a list of our top suggestions here:
See all of the solar companies in Los Alamos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Los Alamos
The cost of installing a solar system in Los Alamos can vary by more than $10,000 from home to home. Your actual cost is dependent on several factors. The biggest one is your system size, and other factors include equipment choices, financing options and the solar installer you choose.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar panel system you need for your home, which is measured in kilowatts, is the most significant cost factor to consider. For every additional kilowatt you need, your total will most likely increase by around $2,680. Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Los Alamos, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Also, if you have a small roof or you don't have a lot of space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar installers in Los Alamos provide solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing a solar system. However, the interest on solar loans also increases your overall costs, so it's vital to include that in your estimate as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The final key cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Los Alamos, you'll have a great number of options to choose from, but each comes at various price points for labor and equipment. Additionally, some companies in Los Alamos know more about local solar incentives and can help you take advantage of additional rebates or tax exemptions. However, they may charge more for walking you through the whole process. Even if they cost more upfront, they could end up saving you more money in the long run.
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 | $26,923 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $36,198 | 7.4 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $45,622 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $55,197 | 7.1 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $64,922 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $74,796 | 6.8 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $84,821 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $94,996 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Los Alamos, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Contract: When reading through your solar company's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be done and what the project timeline is.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies carry different brands and kinds of panels. If you know you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of 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 positive reviews from previous customers.
EcoWatch's Los Alamos, NM Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Los Alamos?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a few different factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $13,400 for a 5-kW system and $26,800 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Can you get solar panels for free in Los Alamos?
A solar panel system isn't free in Los Alamos, but there are some options that can make getting them more feasible, such as leasing solar panels or getting a solar loan. There may also be local programs or incentives that can help lower the cost.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Los Alamos?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can typically produce about 250 to 400 watt-hours per hour, the average home 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.