Solar Panel Cost Guide in Tucumcari, NM (2024 Update)

  • Tucumcari Solar Installation Cost: $15,448
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,148
  • Payback Period: 10.5 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated February 03, 2024

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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 Tucumcari

We go over average solar pricing in Tucumcari.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Tucumcari it’s 4 per watt.To cover the typical energy needs of the average home in Tucumcari, most homeowners require a 5.6-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,448, or $22,091 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.

The prices above are just estimates to give you an idea of how much solar panels could cost. The true cost of installing solar panels can vary based on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what company you go with.Despite the large upfront cost, the average Tucumcari homeowner can save about $25,000 on their electricity bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.

To get a free estimate from a top solar installer in Tucumcari, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Tucumcari

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-14,684
3 years $-13,157
5 years $-11,629
7 years $-10,101
9 years $-8,573
11 years $-7,046
13 years $-5,518
15 years $-3,990
17 years $-2,462
19 years $-935
21 years $593
23 years $2,121
25 years $3,649

Top Solar Installers in Tucumcari

DIY solar panel installation is a possibility, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Using an installer can make switching to solar power much easier. Local solar installation companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by providing warranties and repairs.

If you're on the hunt for a solar company in Tucumcari, the EcoWatch team has compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

See all of the solar companies in Tucumcari

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Tucumcari

There are many factors that can influence 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

When it comes to estimating the price of a solar system in Tucumcari, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,930 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Tucumcari, 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

Most solar installers in Tucumcari offer solar loans, which reduce the initial cost of installing solar.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more upfront can reduce the total interest paid over time.

Solar Panel Installation Company

The solar panel installation company you pick will impact your total cost to go solar. Different companies will charge different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their bigger brand name and access to bulk pricing, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials 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 $22,028 10.9 years
8 kW $4.01 $22,448 $29,811 10.7 years
10 kW $3.93 $27,510 $37,814 10.5 years
12 kW $3.85 $32,352 $46,037 10.3 years
14 kW $3.77 $36,973 $54,480 10.1 years
16 kW $3.69 $41,375 $63,143 9.9 years
18 kW $3.62 $45,557 $72,026 9.7 years
20 kW $3.54 $49,518 $81,130 9.5 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since choosing a company can be a challenge, we have some tips to help you, such as:

  • Contract: Even though reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can make sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and the terms of the warranty.
  • Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for clean energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it most likely has a solid reputation and is qualified to do the job well. Another way you can research your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and type has varying levels of quality, durability and efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose impacts which solar panel brands you have access to.
  • Warranty: A comprehensive, 25-year warranty can help keep your solar system running smoothly and save you money on repairs and maintenance.

Best National Provider

SunPower

★★★★★
5.0

  • Most efficient panels on the market
  • National coverage
  • Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
  • Great warranty coverage
  • Expensive
  • Customer service varies by local dealer

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

Best Social Impact

Palmetto Solar

★★★★★
4.0

  • Expansive service area
  • Makes charitable contributions
  • Certified B Corp
  • No leases or PPAs
  • Quality of installation may vary by location

EcoWatch's Tucumcari, NM Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in Tucumcari?

This is a hard question to answer exactly, because the cost depends on many factors. Generally speaking, it costs about $19,650 for a 5-kW system and $39,300 for a 10-kW system after the ITC is applied. It will cost more if you want other 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 go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.

Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in Tucumcari?

Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, because it usually 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 tax rebates and credits and your home value won’t increase. Buying solar panels is a better way to go if you want to maximize your savings.

Can solar panels eliminate my power bills?

It is possible to eliminate your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners throughout Tucumcari, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have roofs that can accommodate that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How long do solar panels last in Tucumcari?

Even though the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they stop working completely at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can choose to replace them after having them for that long or you can keep using them at a lower efficiency.

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.

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