Solar Panel Cost Guide in Los Alamos, NM (2024 Update)
- Los Alamos Solar Installation Cost: $15,807
- 25-Year Savings: $26,214
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Los Alamos
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Los Alamos.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Los Alamos it’s 4 per watt.Using this figure, a typical 5.7-kW system would cost about $15,807 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much a solar panel system could cost. The true cost of going solar can vary depending on several factors, such as what size system you need, your energy usage and what solar installer you go with.Even with the significant upfront cost, the average Los Alamos homeowner can save around $24,000 on their power bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To get a free quote from a pre-vetted solar installer in Los Alamos, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Los Alamos
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,784 |
| 3 years | $-12,740 |
| 5 years | $-10,695 |
| 7 years | $-8,650 |
| 9 years | $-6,605 |
| 11 years | $-4,561 |
| 13 years | $-2,516 |
| 15 years | $-471 |
| 17 years | $1,574 |
| 19 years | $3,618 |
| 21 years | $5,663 |
| 23 years | $7,708 |
| 25 years | $9,752 |
Top Solar Installers in Los Alamos
DIY solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can take a lot of hard work. Going with a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Another great thing about choosing a reputable solar installer is that it'll provide warranties and free repairs, which help protect your solar system over time.
If you’d like to make the switch to solar but still aren’t sure which solar panel installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
See all of the solar companies in Los Alamos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Los Alamos
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners wanting to invest in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Los Alamos: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that influences the overall cost of installing solar panels. That’s why it’s a priority to accurately assess the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your energy needs.The solar equipment you choose can increase or decrease your cost by thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. If you opt for the most efficient solar panel brands, you’ll end up paying more upfront than if you opted for the most affordable panels. However, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your electric bills. In addition, add-on products, like solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Los Alamos average.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Los Alamos have solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar panels.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to figure out the cost of solar for your home or business in Los Alamos is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to build a deck or pool, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services at different price points.Larger national companies generally have lower costs, but some local companies undercut them by offering sales and discounts. While the smaller companies might not have access to 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 | $21,463 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.01 | $22,448 | $29,058 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.93 | $27,510 | $36,872 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.85 | $32,352 | $44,907 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.77 | $36,973 | $53,162 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.69 | $41,375 | $61,636 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.62 | $45,557 | $70,331 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.54 | $49,518 | $79,246 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because selecting a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Homeowners should make sure they understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the completion timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that cover panel repairs and maintenance over around 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one indication of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though 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 offerings before making your decision.
- Contract: Read the contract terms carefully to make sure you understand the total cost, project completion timeline rebates and warranties.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
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 Social Impact
Palmetto Solar
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Los Alamos, NM Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Los Alamos?
The average cost of solar panels in Los Alamos is about $19,650 for a 5-kW system and $39,300 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 use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Los Alamos?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback is that you won’t be able to save as much. If you lease, you don’t own the system, so you can’t claim any incentives and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to get the most savings.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Los Alamos?
Each state has some kind 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 give you credit toward your future electricity bills.
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 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 buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover 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.