Solar Panel Cost Guide in Alamogordo, NM (2024 Update)
- Alamogordo Solar Installation Cost: $15,001
- 25-Year Savings: $32,252
- Payback Period: 8.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Alamogordo
Find out how much it might cost to make the switch to solar in Alamogordo.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Alamogordo, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.Since a 5.5-kW system is needed to cover the energy consumption of a typical home in Alamogordo, the average price of going solar will be about $15,001 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can be above or below the average in Alamogordo based on several factors, such as the kind of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Alamogordo homeowner can save about $30,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the perks of solar.
For a personalized quote from a local solar company that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Alamogordo
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,851 |
| 3 years | $-11,552 |
| 5 years | $-9,254 |
| 7 years | $-6,955 |
| 9 years | $-4,656 |
| 11 years | $-2,357 |
| 13 years | $-58 |
| 15 years | $2,241 |
| 17 years | $4,539 |
| 19 years | $6,838 |
| 21 years | $9,137 |
| 23 years | $11,436 |
| 25 years | $13,735 |
Top Solar Installers in Alamogordo
Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a choice some homeowners opt for, but it's an undertaking that can be a pain. Taking advantage of a solar company can make your swap to solar power much easier. Also, companies with a high reputation that are more expensive upfront could actually save you money in the long run with their warranties, repair services and expert design.
There are various licensed solar professionals that can install solar panels for you. Here are our suggestions:
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
- 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 Alamogordo
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Alamogordo
There are many criteria that can affect your solar system installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that does the installation.
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 spend around $3,930 per kilowatt in Alamogordo.The brand and type of equipment you get for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a trusted brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often have a higher price tag than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have limited roof space or just want maximum energy production, you will be looking at a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want additional equipment like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also raise the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
For some homeowners, paying for solar out of pocket can be difficult. Solar loans are provided by most installers in Alamogordo, which can reduce, or in some cases eliminate, your upfront costs to make solar more accessible.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your total costs, so it’s important to take that into consideration as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and possibly even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Lastly, the company you get to install your solar panels can impact your pricing. Alamogordo’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. Companies that only sell products with high efficiency and therefore a higher price point — like Maxeon solar panels from SunPower or Tesla Powerwall batteries — so choosing those installers will generally come with an above-average cost. It’s best to do some research and find a company that has the products, warranties and services you want and also fit into your budget.
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 | $29,578 | 9.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.01 | $22,448 | $39,878 | 9.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.93 | $27,510 | $50,398 | 8.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.85 | $32,352 | $61,137 | 8.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.77 | $36,973 | $72,097 | 8.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.69 | $41,375 | $83,277 | 8.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.62 | $45,557 | $94,677 | 8.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.54 | $49,518 | $106,297 | 7.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are many companies available in Alamogordo, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Although there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to peruse their list of options before deciding.
- Contract: It’s important to read your solar installer’s contract closely to understand what services they will provide, what the warranty covers and what expectations you should have about the project timeline.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have verifiable expertise in the field. Two 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 satisfied reviews from past customers.
- 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.
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 for Leasing
Sunrun
- 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
- Expansive service area
- Makes charitable contributions
- Certified B Corp
- No leases or PPAs
- Quality of installation may vary by location
EcoWatch's Alamogordo, NM Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Alamogordo?
The average cost of solar panels in Alamogordo is about $19,650 for a 5-kW system and $39,300 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.
Is cost the most important thing to keep in mind when buying solar panels?
Cost is definitely one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Alamogordo?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just offer you credit toward your future electricity bills.
How long do solar panels last in Alamogordo?
On average, the lifespan of solar panels is about 25 to 30 years. Some even last up to 50 years, but their efficiency goes down by about 0.8% each year. You can choose to replace them sooner if you want to maintain a higher level of energy production.
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.