Solar Panel Cost Guide in Belen, NM (2024 Update)
- Belen Solar Installation Cost: $15,284
- 25-Year Savings: $29,255
- Payback Period: 9.6 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Belen
Find out how much it might cost to go solar in Belen.
Currently, the national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt. However, in Belen, the typical cost of solar panels is 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in Belen is around 5.6 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,284 for a solar installation, or $21,856 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.
These figures are just averages, and how much solar costs for you will most likely vary based on your specific situation and what company you want to go with.Many homeowners find going solar is a solid investment. The average homeowner in Belen can save about $27,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar company in Belen that can help you get a more accurate cost estimate for your home.
Solar savings over time in Belen
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,195 |
| 3 years | $-12,018 |
| 5 years | $-9,841 |
| 7 years | $-7,664 |
| 9 years | $-5,486 |
| 11 years | $-3,309 |
| 13 years | $-1,132 |
| 15 years | $1,045 |
| 17 years | $3,223 |
| 19 years | $5,400 |
| 21 years | $7,577 |
| 23 years | $9,754 |
| 25 years | $11,932 |
Top Solar Installers in Belen
Although you can install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra time and handiness. Because of that, most people choose to hire a solar panel installer. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar installer can help you figure that out after a site survey and consultation.
If you're searching for a solar installer in Belen, we've put together a list of our top suggestions here:
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 Belen
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Belen
Though the average cost of a solar system in Belen is $15,284, your actual cost may be higher or lower than that. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to take into consideration.
Solar Equipment
The cost of solar panels varies by thousands of dollars due to some different factors. One of the main factors is the system size, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). Solar power systems with better efficiency or power generation require better technology and/or more equipment, both of which can raise costs. For each additional kilowatt you need, your cost can go up by about $3,930.There are several different solar panel brands and the one you choose also changes the cost. In general, the brands that are more efficient tend to also cost more. Plus, the type of equipment you’re looking to get can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be much less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Belen to be too steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area offers financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.When considering your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying a higher down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar panel installer you choose will influence your total cost to adopt solar power. Different companies will bill different amounts for the equipment and labor.You may see national solar installers that have lower prices because of 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 larger companies.
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 | $25,684 | 10.0 years |
| 8 kW | $4.01 | $22,448 | $34,685 | 9.8 years |
| 10 kW | $3.93 | $27,510 | $43,907 | 9.6 years |
| 12 kW | $3.85 | $32,352 | $53,349 | 9.4 years |
| 14 kW | $3.77 | $36,973 | $63,010 | 9.2 years |
| 16 kW | $3.69 | $41,375 | $72,892 | 9.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.62 | $45,557 | $82,994 | 8.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.54 | $49,518 | $93,316 | 8.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a large number of companies to choose from in Belen, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be challenging, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Warranty: A quality company stands out from other companies by providing the gold standard warranty — a 25-year, all-inclusive warranty covering parts, labor and performance.
- Installation Process: When making the switch to solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar company, make sure you look it over completely so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you aren’t sure about some of the terms, such as what the warranty covers and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels based on their locations and how much efficiency they need. While there are many options for which type of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you peruse their list of offerings before making your decision.
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 Belen, NM Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Belen?
This is a difficult question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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. You can expect to pay more if you want extra solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy usage. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or cheaper solar panels.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Belen?
Leasing solar panels can be an attractive choice, because it often comes with low or $0 upfront payments. The drawback 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Does Belen have a net metering program?
Each state has some kind of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states let you sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future energy bills.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out what solar panel system size you need, you should find out 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 house 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.