Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alamosa, CO (2024 Update)
- Alamosa Solar Installation Cost: $13,652
- 25-Year Savings: $23,172
- Payback Period: 10.5 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alamosa
Here’s how much it might cost to install solar panels in Alamosa.
Although the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Alamosa typically cost around 4.To account for the typical energy usage of the average home in Alamosa, most homeowners require a 4.9-kilowatt system. Using the per-watt figure above, a solar installation costs around $13,652, or $19,522 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Alamosa based on several factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite fruitful, with a net average savings of about $25,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alamosa
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-12,684 |
| 3 years | $-10,748 |
| 5 years | $-8,812 |
| 7 years | $-6,875 |
| 9 years | $-4,939 |
| 11 years | $-3,003 |
| 13 years | $-1,067 |
| 15 years | $869 |
| 17 years | $2,806 |
| 19 years | $4,742 |
| 21 years | $6,678 |
| 23 years | $8,614 |
| 25 years | $10,550 |
Top Solar Installers in Alamosa
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners opt to go with a solar installation company since installing a solar system yourself can be a time-consuming project. Also, companies with a high reputation that cost more upfront could actually save you money in the long term because of their warranties, repair services and expert design.
Working with a professional solar installer can help you make the most of your investment in solar. Here are our recommendations:
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Alamosa
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alamosa
Cost is often one of the most important factors for homeowners who are considering investing in solar. There are a few primary factors that determine your overall cost in Alamosa: solar equipment and system size, financing options and the solar installation company you choose. We’ll discuss each of these briefly below.
Solar Equipment
When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar system in Alamosa, one of the most crucial factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are primarily based on your home’s energy usage, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by around $3,980 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar equipment you choose can bring your price up or down 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, more efficient panels could save you more in the long run on your energy bills. Additionally, extra products, such as solar batteries, can bump up your total well above the Alamosa average.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on utility bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many Alamosa homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.You’ll have to consider the long-term cost of loans, 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 original cost. Making a larger down payment or getting a solar loan with a low APR could reduce your costs remarkably.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar company you go with to handle your switch to renewable energy can have an effect on your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Alamosa, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of their bigger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, 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 | $4.14 | $17,385 | $22,285 | 11.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.06 | $22,734 | $30,159 | 10.7 years |
| 10 kW | $3.98 | $27,860 | $38,256 | 10.5 years |
| 12 kW | $3.90 | $32,763 | $46,576 | 10.3 years |
| 14 kW | $3.82 | $37,444 | $55,119 | 10.1 years |
| 16 kW | $3.74 | $41,901 | $63,884 | 9.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.66 | $46,136 | $72,873 | 9.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.58 | $50,148 | $82,084 | 9.5 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many solar installers to choose from, all of which offer different warranties, solar panel models and price points. To help you find the right company for you, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Solar Panel Brands: The type of solar panel you need to get plays a part in which company you should opt for, since different companies have access to different panels.
- Warranty: A quality company rises above other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Reputation: Make sure your solar company has a good reputation by verifying it has certifications and licenses, checking how long it's been in business and reading reviews by past customers and solar experts like the EcoWatch team.
- Installation Process: Get details from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, including when the site survey will be completed and what the project timeline is.
Best National Provider
SunPower
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
Best Solar Financing
Blue Raven Solar
- Industry-leading in-house financing
- Competitive pricing
- Excellent reputation
- Doesn't offer solar batteries
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 Alamosa, CO Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Alamosa?
The average cost of solar panels in Alamosa is about $19,900 for a 5-kW system and $39,800 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real cost will depend on certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Are solar panels free in Alamosa?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Alamosa. However, you may still be able to afford them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d rather own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Can solar panels completely eradicate my power bills?
It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in Alamosa, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to contact a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.
How often do you have to replace solar panels?
Although the average lifespan of solar panels is 25 to 30 years, that doesn't mean they should be disposed of at that time. What this means is their energy production will have decreased significantly after that point. You can decide to replace them once you've had 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.