Solar Panel Cost Guide in Raton, NM (Mar 2023)
- Raton Solar Installation Cost: $10,843
- 25-Year Savings: $43,454
- Payback Period: 5.0 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Raton
We break down average solar pricing in Raton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Raton typically cost about 2.68. To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Raton, most homeowners require a 5.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs around $10,843, or $15,505 before the federal solar tax credit of 30% is applied.
The true cost of your system can be higher or lower than the average in Raton based on a few factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire. For most homeowners, the upfront cost of solar panels is worth paying. On average homeowners in Raton see about $36,000 in savings on energy bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a top solar company in Raton for a quote for your home.
Solar savings over time in Raton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,671 |
| 3 years | $-4,328 |
| 5 years | $16 |
| 7 years | $4,360 |
| 9 years | $8,704 |
| 11 years | $13,048 |
| 13 years | $17,392 |
| 15 years | $21,735 |
| 17 years | $26,079 |
| 19 years | $30,423 |
| 21 years | $34,767 |
| 23 years | $39,111 |
| 25 years | $43,454 |
Top Solar Installers in Raton
When going solar, many homeowners decide to use a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a difficult project. Companies can also offer access to various kinds of the best solar panels and help you choose which one will be best for your home.
Working with a licensed solar installer can make going solar easier. Here are our recommendations:
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 Raton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Raton
Though the average cost of a solar system in Raton is $10,843, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are many factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more important things to keep in mind.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the price of a solar energy system in Raton, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home's energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past energy bills. Your total cost can increase by around $2,680 for each additional kilowatt you need. The kind of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will substantially affect costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to come at a higher price. Plus, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You'll also need to think about the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It's important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that falls within your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be financially overwhelming. Solar loans are offered by most installers in Raton, which can lower, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the total interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you can only get a high-interest loan, then your total can be hundreds or even thousands of dollars above the equipment and labor cost. Making a larger down payment or finding a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you hire to install your solar system can affect your pricing. Raton's solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Additionally, some companies in Raton have more knowledge 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 help you save 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 | $44,611 | 5.2 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $59,782 | 5.1 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $75,103 | 5.0 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $90,573 | 4.9 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $106,194 | 4.8 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $121,965 | 4.7 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $137,886 | 4.6 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $153,957 | 4.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The solar installer you choose will influence not only your overall costs, but also the kinds 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 keep in mind, such as:
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for renewable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can check your installer's reputation is by reading reviews.
- Solar Panel Brands: Different companies offer various brands and models of panels. If you want a specific brand, make sure the solar installer you're considering has it.
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it's important to do it fully so you can make sure you understand what services your solar company will provide and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
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 Raton, NM Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Raton?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. It will be more expensive if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Raton?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, as it typically comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The downside 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 way to go if you want to maximize your savings.
Is it worth going solar in Raton?
Solar panels can be a fruitful investment for most homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your energy 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 usage and how much 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 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.