Solar Panel Cost Guide in Sandia Heights, NM (Mar 2023)
- Sandia Heights Solar Installation Cost: $10,468
- 25-Year Savings: $30,924
- Payback Period: 6.3 Years
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Updated March 14, 2023
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Sandia Heights
Let's take a look at the average cost of solar in Sandia Heights.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Sandia Heights it's 2.68 per watt. Using this figure, a typical 5.6-kW system would cost about $10,468 before the 30% federal solar tax credit is applied.
Bear in mind that the figures above are only estimates based on the average Sandia Heights homeowner. The cost of a solar system for your home may be different depending on factors unique to your situation, like your household energy use and solar contractor. Many homeowners find going solar is a fruitful investment. The average homeowner in Sandia Heights can save about $28,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar installer, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Sandia Heights
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-8,812 |
| 3 years | $-5,501 |
| 5 years | $-2,190 |
| 7 years | $1,122 |
| 9 years | $4,433 |
| 11 years | $7,745 |
| 13 years | $11,056 |
| 15 years | $14,367 |
| 17 years | $17,679 |
| 19 years | $20,990 |
| 21 years | $24,301 |
| 23 years | $27,613 |
| 25 years | $30,924 |
Top Solar Installers in Sandia Heights
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Hiring a solar panel installer can make converting to solar power much easier. Solar warranties and repairs are typically included in the cost of installation when you sign a contract with a solar contractor as well, which can save you more money over time.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar panels. Here are our suggestions:
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 Sandia Heights
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Sandia Heights
For many Sandia Heights homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Sandia Heights, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of factors that considerably influence the price you'll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most significant factors to consider when it comes to the cost of adopting solar energy is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more electricity your household uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $2,680 per kilowatt in Sandia Heights. The kind of 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. On the other hand, higher efficiency could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. In addition, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bring your total well above the Sandia Heights average.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar panels out of pocket can be challenging. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Sandia Heights, which can lower, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more affordable. You'll have to consider the long-term cost of financing options, including the amount of interest you'll pay over the length of the loan. If you're only able to 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 finding a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs considerably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you choose to install your solar system can influence how much it costs. Sandia Heights' solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.
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 | $32,772 | 6.6 years |
| 8 kW | $2.73 | $15,308 | $43,996 | 6.5 years |
| 10 kW | $2.68 | $18,760 | $55,370 | 6.3 years |
| 12 kW | $2.63 | $22,062 | $66,895 | 6.2 years |
| 14 kW | $2.57 | $25,213 | $78,569 | 6.1 years |
| 16 kW | $2.52 | $28,215 | $90,393 | 5.9 years |
| 18 kW | $2.47 | $31,067 | $102,368 | 5.8 years |
| 20 kW | $2.41 | $33,768 | $114,493 | 5.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are numerous companies to choose from in Sandia Heights, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Picking the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for panel repairs and maintenance over a long period of time such as 25 years are the gold standard in the business, and offering such a warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a substantial role in the company you choose.
- Contract: When reading through your solar installer's contract, ask for clarification about any terms you're not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system component breaking or if the company goes out of business.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar power, it's crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Make sure you understand how the installation process works and the project timeline.
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 Sandia Heights, NM Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Sandia Heights?
This is a tough 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. It will cost more if you want extra solar equipment or more efficient panels, or if you have higher-than-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you choose a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
What other factors should I consider apart from cost when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important things to bear in mind when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
How will solar panels impact my property value?
Installing solar panels on your home can increase the value of your property by about 4%, according to research done by Zillow. The average home value in Sandia Heights is currently $492,100, so you can look forward to a value of about $20,176 more than houses without a solar system. The specific figures will vary, but most experts agree that installing solar panels in Sandia Heights is a fruitful investment.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily 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 install 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.