Solar Panel Cost Guide in Taos, NM (2024 Update)
- Taos Solar Installation Cost: $16,350
- 25-Year Savings: $36,155
- Payback Period: 8.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Taos
See how much it might cost to go solar in Taos.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Taos, the average cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average Taos homeowner needs a 5.9-kilowatt system, which would cost about $16,350 with the federal tax credit, or $23,380 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Taos depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With typical savings of about $30,000 on utility bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Taos find going solar can pay off big.
You can click the button below to get connected with a vetted solar company in Taos that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Taos
Year | Return on Investment |
---|---|
1 years | $-14,908 |
3 years | $-12,023 |
5 years | $-9,138 |
7 years | $-6,253 |
9 years | $-3,368 |
11 years | $-483 |
13 years | $2,401 |
15 years | $5,286 |
17 years | $8,171 |
19 years | $11,056 |
21 years | $13,941 |
23 years | $16,826 |
25 years | $19,711 |
Top Solar Installers in Taos
Many homeowners choose to hire a solar installation company since trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be time-consuming. Plus, warranties and repairs from your solar panel company can protect your investment and reduce the cost of maintenance over the lifespan of your panels.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar company to go with, here are our recommendations for providers in Taos:
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 Taos
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Taos
For many Taos homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system rests on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Taos, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a few factors that significantly influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
System size, which is measured in kilowatts, is one of the largest factors that affects the overall cost of installing solar panels. Because of that, it’s important to accurately gauge the size of the solar energy system needed for your home by figuring out your typical energy use.Some solar panel brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — cost more upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like Taos, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. In addition, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be more impactful. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for a solar system out of pocket can be a challenge. Solar loans are available from most installers in Taos, which can bring down, or in some cases completely eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.While solar loans make going solar more accessible for Taos homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system, depending on your interest rate. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you choose to handle your switch to green energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Taos, and each can charge varying amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in the cost of installation. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower pricing due to more 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 names.
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 | $30,589 | 9.0 years |
8 kW | $4.01 | $22,448 | $41,225 | 8.8 years |
10 kW | $3.93 | $27,510 | $52,081 | 8.6 years |
12 kW | $3.85 | $32,352 | $63,158 | 8.5 years |
14 kW | $3.77 | $36,973 | $74,455 | 8.3 years |
16 kW | $3.69 | $41,375 | $85,971 | 8.1 years |
18 kW | $3.62 | $45,557 | $97,708 | 7.9 years |
20 kW | $3.54 | $49,518 | $109,665 | 7.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar panel installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar company about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be done and how long it will take.
- Warranty: A high-quality company rises above other companies by offering the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Solar Panel Brands: The model of solar panel you want to get plays a part in which installer you should go with, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a good reputation as a company and have proven expertise in the field. A couple of ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians that hold a certification from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has good reviews from past customers.
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 Taos, NM Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Taos?
This is a difficult question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Broadly speaking, it costs about $19,650 for a 5-kW system and $39,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Taos?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to 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 property 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 savings from going solar.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my energy bills?
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 $1,591.83 per year.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses and how much sunlight your home gets. For a general estimate, however, since each panel can generally 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.