Solar Panel Cost Guide in Carlsbad, NM (2024 Update)
- Carlsbad Solar Installation Cost: $14,955
- 25-Year Savings: $18,536
- Payback Period: 13.0 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Carlsbad
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Carlsbad.
In Carlsbad, solar panels cost about 4 per watt on average.The average Carlsbad homeowner needs a 5.4-kilowatt system, which would cost about $14,955 with the federal tax credit, or $21,386 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
The true price you pay can be higher or lower than the average in Carlsbad depending on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Many homeowners find going solar is a rewarding investment. The average homeowner in Carlsbad can save about $21,000 on their power bills over 20 years.
To see your potential ROI and connect with a local solar expert, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Carlsbad
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,260 |
| 3 years | $-12,869 |
| 5 years | $-11,478 |
| 7 years | $-10,087 |
| 9 years | $-8,696 |
| 11 years | $-7,306 |
| 13 years | $-5,915 |
| 15 years | $-4,524 |
| 17 years | $-3,133 |
| 19 years | $-1,742 |
| 21 years | $-351 |
| 23 years | $1,039 |
| 25 years | $2,430 |
Top Solar Installers in Carlsbad
Trying to install solar panels yourself can be a difficult undertaking, which is why getting a solar installer is a good option for many homeowners. A solar company can also help save you money in the long run by providing warranties, repairs and component replacements.
If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in Carlsbad, 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 Carlsbad
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Carlsbad
For many Carlsbad homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Carlsbad, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that considerably influence the price you’ll pay, which we'll go over below.
Solar Equipment
One of the most important factors to consider when it comes to the cost of going solar 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 pay about $3,930 per kilowatt in Carlsbad.There are a lot of different solar panel brands and the one you choose also affects the cost. Generally, the brands that have better efficiency tend to also be more expensive. Additionally, the type of equipment you’re looking to install can affect your total cost. If you only need panels, your system will be far less expensive than if you also need solar batteries or an electric vehicle charger.
Solar Financing Terms
Most solar companies in Carlsbad provide solar loans, which reduce your upfront costs of installing solar panels.Even though solar loans make switching to solar energy more accessible for Carlsbad homeowners, they can also add to the total you pay for your system due to interest. If you put down a larger down payment, though, you can cut back on how much interest you have to pay.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to renewable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating in Carlsbad, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices due to their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment 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 | $14,548 | 13.5 years |
| 8 kW | $4.01 | $22,448 | $19,837 | 13.3 years |
| 10 kW | $3.93 | $27,510 | $25,347 | 13.0 years |
| 12 kW | $3.85 | $32,352 | $31,076 | 12.8 years |
| 14 kW | $3.77 | $36,973 | $37,026 | 12.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.69 | $41,375 | $43,196 | 12.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.62 | $45,557 | $49,585 | 12.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.54 | $49,518 | $56,195 | 11.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the model of solar panels and the installer you choose has an impact on your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to pick the right ones for you. Here are some tips to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Contract: Look through the contract terms closely to make sure you understand the overall cost, completion timeline incentives and warranties.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a sound reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. A couple of 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 good reviews from previous customers.
- Installation Process: One of the most important things to understand when adopting solar energy is the installation process itself. Be sure to align on any details you need to know with your solar installer, such as what permits you should acquire and what the project timeline is.
- Warranty: Each company may offer different types of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
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 Carlsbad, NM Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Carlsbad?
The average cost of solar panels in Carlsbad is about $19,650 for a 5-kW system and $39,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the actual cost will depend on things such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Carlsbad?
Leasing solar panels can be an appealing choice, as it often 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 option if you want to maximize your savings.
Is making the switch to solar worth it?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like local electricity rates and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels do I need to power my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the average daily sunlight your roof gets. You can look at your energy bills for the past year to get an idea of the solar system size you'll need. The average household has to buy between 20 and 35 panels to cover their typical energy usage.
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.