Solar Panel Cost Guide in South Valley, NM (2025 Update)

  • South Valley Solar Installation Cost: $15,361
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,991
  • Payback Period: 10.2 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated January 24, 2025

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in South Valley

We break down average solar pricing in South Valley.

Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in South Valley, the average cost of a solar system is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in South Valley is around 5.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,361 for a solar installation, or $21,966 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

The true price you pay can be above or below the average in South Valley depending on a few factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in South Valley can save around $25,000 on their energy bills over 20 years.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in South Valley that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.

Solar savings over time in South Valley

YearReturn 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 South Valley

Many homeowners choose to use a solar panel company since installing solar panels yourself can be a labor-intensive endeavor. Plus, if you aren’t sure what kind of solar panels and equipment you need, a solar installer can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.

If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers in South Valley:

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Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • 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 South Valley

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in South Valley

There are several criteria that can play into your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that performs the installation.

Solar Equipment

The size of the solar panel system you need, 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 nearly $3,930. There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that offer higher efficiency tend to also be more expensive. In addition, the type of equipment you want to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.

Solar Financing Terms

Most solar installers in South Valley offer solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing a solar system.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 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 securing a solar loan with a low interest rate could reduce your costs significantly.

Solar Panel Installation Company

Finally, the company you opt for to install your solar system can influence your pricing. South Valley’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger companies.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.09$17,166$23,09310.7 years
8 kW$4.01$22,448$31,23110.5 years
10 kW$3.93$27,510$39,58910.2 years
12 kW$3.85$32,352$48,16710.0 years
14 kW$3.77$36,973$56,9659.8 years
16 kW$3.69$41,375$65,9839.6 years
18 kW$3.62$45,557$75,2219.4 years
20 kW$3.54$49,518$84,6799.2 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

Since the brand of solar panels and the company you choose considerably affects your costs and your system’s durability and efficiency, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:

  • Solar Panel Brands: The kind of solar panel you need to get plays a role in which installer you should opt for, since different companies offer different panels.
  • Warranty: An all-inclusive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar panels running for years to come and save you money on repairs and maintenance.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar installer’s contract, ask questions 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.
  • Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from previous customers.
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Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

EcoWatch's South Valley, NM Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in South Valley?

The average cost of solar panels in South Valley 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 like the model 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 South Valley?

Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or get a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most financial benefits from going solar.

How much can I save on energy bills after installing solar panels?

Solar panels can potentially eliminate your electricity bills depending on where you’re located and the efficiency of your system. Even if it doesn’t get rid of them completely, you can save a lot of money on your bills, about $1,341.97 per year.

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 account for 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.