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

  • Bernalillo Solar Installation Cost: $15,677
  • 25-Year Savings: $28,884
  • Payback Period: 9.9 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 Bernalillo

We break down average solar pricing in Bernalillo.

In Bernalillo, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.Because a 5.7-kW system is needed to cover the energy needs of a typical home in Bernalillo, the average price of going solar will be about $15,677 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.

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 quite a bit depending on multiple factors, such as how many panels you need, your energy usage and what installation company you go with.But, once you've paid the initial cost of installation, the ROI for most homeowners is usually good, with a net average savings of about $26,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

To receive a free quote from a highly rated solar installation company in Bernalillo, you can click the button below.

Solar savings over time in Bernalillo

Year Return on Investment
1 years $-14,589
3 years $-12,412
5 years $-10,234
7 years $-8,057
9 years $-5,880
11 years $-3,703
13 years $-1,525
15 years $652
17 years $2,829
19 years $5,006
21 years $7,184
23 years $9,361
25 years $11,538

Top Solar Installers in Bernalillo

Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it takes extra energy and handiness. That's why the majority of homeowners choose to hire a solar panel installer. Companies can also provide access to quality options of the best solar panels and help you decide which one will be best for your family.

There are several licensed solar professionals that can take care of your solar installation project. Here are our suggestions:

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 Bernalillo

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Bernalillo

Though the average cost of a solar system in Bernalillo is $15,677, your actual cost may be above or below the average. There are quite a few factors that can have a sizable impact on the cost of a residential solar panel installation. Below are some of the more crucial things to consider.

Solar Equipment

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar panel system in Bernalillo, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are chiefly based on your home’s energy usage, which you can determine by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,930 for each additional kilowatt you need.The brand and kind of equipment you want for your solar system can increase or decrease the price quite significantly. If you prefer a brand name like Tesla or SunPower, these often come at a higher price than other brands. Efficiency also matters. Whether you’re opting for high efficiency because you have a small roof or just want maximum energy production, you can expect a higher equipment cost, but this can typically lead to greater savings over time. Also, if you want add-ons like an electric vehicle charger or solar batteries, this will also increase the cost.

Solar Financing Terms

If paying for a solar system in cash is difficult, solar loans are a solid route because they lower your upfront costs and let you pay for your system over five to seven years on average.It’s wise to add the interest you’ll pay in your final cost estimate. If you can afford to pay a larger down payment, you can reduce your total costs and the amount of time it’ll take to pay back the loan.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in Bernalillo is the company you choose to install your solar system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for instance, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.The size of the company sometimes plays the most significant role in the installation costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because of more resources and better pricing. Smaller local companies might be more costly, but they generally have better customer service and more customization options, and the occasional sale or promotion can bring their pricing lower 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 $24,500 10.3 years
8 kW $4.01 $22,448 $33,107 10.1 years
10 kW $3.93 $27,510 $41,933 9.9 years
12 kW $3.85 $32,352 $50,980 9.7 years
14 kW $3.77 $36,973 $60,247 9.5 years
16 kW $3.69 $41,375 $69,734 9.3 years
18 kW $3.62 $45,557 $79,442 9.1 years
20 kW $3.54 $49,518 $89,369 8.9 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are a lot of companies available in Bernalillo, 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:

  • Installation Process: Get detailed information from your solar installer about the installation process and what to expect, such as when the site survey will be completed and how long it will take.
  • Contract: When looking over your solar installer’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and make sure you understand what happens in scenarios like a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Warranty: Warranties that cover defective panels and repairs over a couple decades are the gold standard in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one sign of a good company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and model has varying levels of quality, longevity and efficiency. They will come at different price points as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.

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 Bernalillo, NM Solar Cost FAQs

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

This is a tough 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. It will be more expensive if you want other solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the flip side, you can spend less if you opt for a smaller solar panel system or less efficient solar panels.

Can you get solar panels for free in Bernalillo?

You can’t get solar panels for free in Bernalillo. However, you may still be able to install them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you want to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.

How much can I save on power bills after installing solar panels?

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

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 requires 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.

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