Solar Panel Cost Guide in El Cerro Mission, NM (2024 Update)
- El Cerro Mission Solar Installation Cost: $15,284
- 25-Year Savings: $28,542
- Payback Period: 9.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in El Cerro Mission
Find out what the average cost of solar panel installation is in El Cerro Mission.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in El Cerro Mission typically cost about 4.The average solar panel system size in El Cerro Mission 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.
How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in El Cerro Mission depending on a variety of factors, such as the model of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.But, after you've paid the initial cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is quite rewarding, with a net average savings of about $27,000 over 20 years on electricity bills.
For a free quote from a local solar installer that has been pre-vetted by EcoWatch, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in El Cerro Mission
| 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 El Cerro Mission
Trying to put up solar panels by yourself can be a stressful undertaking, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you make the most of incentives in El Cerro Mission, thereby optimizing your ROI.
If you’d like to switch to solar energy but still aren’t sure which solar system installer to go with, here are our suggestions for providers near you:
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 El Cerro Mission
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in El Cerro Mission
For many El Cerro Mission homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in El Cerro Mission, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are a number of 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 installing solar panels is the size of the solar system, which is measured in kilowatts (kW). The more energy your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,930 per kilowatt in El Cerro Mission.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more costly upfront but also tend to offer higher efficiency. In a city like El Cerro Mission, where sunlight is abundant, efficiency can quickly pay off. Plus, if you have a small roof or limited space for your panels, higher efficiency options will be a better option. Additional equipment like electric vehicle chargers and solar batteries will also increase the cost.
Solar Financing Terms
Solar panels can save you money on power bills over many years, but they can also be a significant investment. That’s why many El Cerro Mission homeowners choose to finance their solar panel systems to offset upfront costs.When estimating your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you decide on a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can reduce the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
A final consideration when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in El Cerro Mission is the company you hire to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to install new cabinets, for instance, you’ll have no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.Some companies 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 at a higher cost. It’s best to do some research and decide on the company that has the products, warranties and services you’re looking for and also is within 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 | $24,914 | 10.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.01 | $22,448 | $33,658 | 10.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.93 | $27,510 | $42,623 | 9.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.85 | $32,352 | $51,808 | 9.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.77 | $36,973 | $61,213 | 9.4 years |
| 16 kW | $3.69 | $41,375 | $70,838 | 9.2 years |
| 18 kW | $3.62 | $45,557 | $80,683 | 9.0 years |
| 20 kW | $3.54 | $49,518 | $90,748 | 8.8 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your system installation will affect the warranties and brands you have access to, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since picking a company can be a tough decision, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Solar Panel Brands: The brand of solar panel you’d like plays a part in which company you should choose, since different companies offer different panels.
- Reputation: The North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) is a well-established certification organization for sustainable energy professionals. If your solar panel installer is NABCEP-certified, it likely has a good reputation and is qualified to install your solar system. Another way you can look into your installer’s reputation is by reading reviews.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that cover different things. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Installation Process: Homeowners should understand how exactly the installation process will be carried out, as well as important factors like the project timeline.
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 El Cerro Mission, NM Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in El Cerro Mission?
This is a hard question to answer precisely, because the cost depends on a variety of 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 cost more if you want additional solar equipment or higher quality panels, or if you have above-average energy consumption. On the other hand, you can spend less if you go with a smaller solar panel system or less expensive solar panels.
Is it better to lease or buy solar panels in El Cerro Mission?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you can’t pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you don’t have access to many solar incentives. Also your property value won’t increase, so you’ll have less savings over time. If you can afford to buy a solar system upfront, then buying is the better option if you want the most bang for your buck from going solar.
Is it worth going solar in El Cerro Mission?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on a variety of factors like the cost of electricity near you and how much direct sunlight your roof gets.
How many solar panels should I get to power my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you should find out how much energy your home needs 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.