Solar Panel Cost Guide in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM (2025 Update)
- Los Ranchos de Albuquerque Solar Installation Cost: $15,361
- 25-Year Savings: $25,493
- Payback Period: 10.7 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
We break down average solar pricing in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque generally cost around 4.The average Los Ranchos de Albuquerque homeowner needs a 5.6-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,361 with the federal tax credit, or $21,966 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque based on a variety of factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the payback for most homeowners is typically rewarding, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on power bills.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar installer in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,272 |
| 3 years | $-12,095 |
| 5 years | $-9,918 |
| 7 years | $-7,740 |
| 9 years | $-5,563 |
| 11 years | $-3,386 |
| 13 years | $-1,209 |
| 15 years | $969 |
| 17 years | $3,146 |
| 19 years | $5,323 |
| 21 years | $7,500 |
| 23 years | $9,677 |
| 25 years | $11,855 |
Top Solar Installers in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
Although you can install solar panels on your own, it involves extra time and handiness. That's one of the reasons most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’d like to maximize your investment in solar, using a solar installer can help with that too. Different providers can offer warranties, expertise on how to install solar panels and sometimes even information on local incentives, rebates and net metering programs.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:
See all of the solar companies in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few key factors that affect your total cost in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,930 per kilowatt in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque.The brand and kind of equipment you get for your solar system can raise or lower the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
If paying for a solar system out of pocket is out of reach, solar loans are a solid choice because they lower your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s a good idea to factor the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to put more money down upfront, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay off the loan.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to clean energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar installation companies operating in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.Companies that only sell high-quality, high-efficiency and high-price products — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally cost more. It’s best to do some research and choose 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 | $4.09 | $17,166 | $21,483 | 11.1 years |
| 8 kW | $4.01 | $22,448 | $29,084 | 10.9 years |
| 10 kW | $3.93 | $27,510 | $36,905 | 10.7 years |
| 12 kW | $3.85 | $32,352 | $44,947 | 10.5 years |
| 14 kW | $3.77 | $36,973 | $53,208 | 10.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.69 | $41,375 | $61,690 | 10.0 years |
| 18 kW | $3.62 | $45,557 | $70,391 | 9.8 years |
| 20 kW | $3.54 | $49,518 | $79,313 | 9.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Because choosing a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers have the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a large role in the company you go with.
- Installation Process: An important thing to understand when going solar 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 acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Contract: It’s important to read through your solar installer’s contract fully to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what you can expect about your solar system’s energy production.
- Warranty: If you care about the endurance of your solar panel system, checking if your company offers a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty can help put you at ease.
EcoWatch's Los Ranchos de Albuquerque, NM Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque?
The average cost of solar panels in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque 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 things such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it usually 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better option if you want to maximize your savings.
Do solar panels increase your property value?
Solar panels can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque is currently $623,194, which means you can expect a value of about $25,551 more than houses without a solar system. The exact figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Los Ranchos de Albuquerque is a worthwhile investment.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher amount of energy production.
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.