Solar Panel Cost Guide in Raton, NM (2024 Update)
- Raton Solar Installation Cost: $15,914
- 25-Year Savings: $43,446
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Raton
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Raton.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Raton, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.Because a 5.8-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Raton, the average price of going solar will be about $15,914 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Raton depending on a few factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Many homeowners find installing solar panels is a sound investment. The average homeowner in Raton can save around $36,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years.
To receive a free quote from a vetted solar company in Raton, you can click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Raton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,879 |
| 3 years | $-9,811 |
| 5 years | $-5,742 |
| 7 years | $-1,673 |
| 9 years | $2,396 |
| 11 years | $6,465 |
| 13 years | $10,534 |
| 15 years | $14,603 |
| 17 years | $18,672 |
| 19 years | $22,741 |
| 21 years | $26,809 |
| 23 years | $30,878 |
| 25 years | $34,947 |
Top Solar Installers in Raton
Trying to install solar panels by yourself can be a time-consuming undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar installers, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in Raton, thereby optimizing your ROI.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
See all of the solar companies in Raton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Raton
Cost is usually one of the most important factors for homeowners considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that will push your cost above or below the average in Raton: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
The size of the solar energy 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 about $3,930. There are many different solar panel brands and the one you pick also affects the cost. Typically, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Raton provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 more than the principal cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining significant cost factor you should take into consideration is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of renewable energy solutions in Raton, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at different price points for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or promotions to compete with those major players.
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 | $39,151 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.01 | $22,448 | $52,642 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.93 | $27,510 | $66,353 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.85 | $32,352 | $80,283 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.77 | $36,973 | $94,434 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.69 | $41,375 | $108,805 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.62 | $45,557 | $123,396 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.54 | $49,518 | $138,207 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Raton, 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:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different costs as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when going solar is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you should know with your solar company, such as what permits you should secure and how long the project will take.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar panel installer has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking its number of years in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Contract: When reading over your solar company’s contract, ask questions 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.
Best for Leasing
Sunrun
- Expansive service area
- Many financing options
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Some reported issues with door-to-door sales
EcoWatch's Raton, NM Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Raton?
The average cost of solar panels in Raton 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 such as the kind of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Raton?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Raton. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Raton?
Solar panels can be a good investment for many homeowners, but they might not be worth it for everyone. If your home doesn't get enough sunlight and/or your power bills are already reasonably low, solar panels might not be for you.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home requires 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.