Solar Panel Cost Guide in Española, NM (2024 Update)
- Española Solar Installation Cost: $15,823
- 25-Year Savings: $25,949
- Payback Period: 10.8 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Española
We go over average solar pricing in Española.
The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in Española it’s 4 per watt.To account for the typical energy needs of the average home in Española, most homeowners require a 5.8-kilowatt system. Using the figure above, a solar installation costs about $15,823, or $22,627 before the federal solar tax credit of 0 is applied.
How much you pay can be above or below the average in Española based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.With average savings of about $26,000 on energy bills over 20 years, many homeowners in Española find installing solar panels has a decent ROI.
Click the button below to get connected to a vetted solar company in Española for a custom quote.
Solar savings over time in Española
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-14,755 |
| 3 years | $-12,620 |
| 5 years | $-10,484 |
| 7 years | $-8,349 |
| 9 years | $-6,214 |
| 11 years | $-4,079 |
| 13 years | $-1,943 |
| 15 years | $192 |
| 17 years | $2,327 |
| 19 years | $4,462 |
| 21 years | $6,598 |
| 23 years | $8,733 |
| 25 years | $10,868 |
Top Solar Installers in Española
Installing solar panels on your own can be a challenging project, which is why using a solar installation company is a good option for many homeowners. Plus, if you’re unsure what kind of solar panels and equipment you want, a solar expert can help you find the right equipment for you after a site survey and consultation.
Working with a vetted solar installer can help your solar project go smoothly. Here are our recommendations:
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
See all of the solar companies in Española
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Española
There are several criteria that can determine 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
When it comes to estimating the cost of solar panels in Española, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are mainly based on your home’s energy consumption, which you can gauge by looking at past electricity bills. Your total cost can increase by around $3,930 for each additional kilowatt you need.Some solar brands — like Maxeon from SunPower — are more expensive upfront but also tend to offer better efficiency. In a city like Española, 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
If paying for solar panels out of pocket is too expensive, solar loans are an affordable choice because they cut back your upfront costs and allow you to pay for your system over five to seven years on average.However, the interest on solar loans also adds to your all-in costs, so it’s crucial to consider that as well. You can always reduce the total you pay in interest and sometimes even your APR by making a larger down payment.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The solar installer you opt for to handle your switch to sustainable energy can play a role in your total costs. There are about 3 solar panel companies operating throughout Española, and each can charge different amounts for labor and equipment.The company’s size sometimes plays the most considerable role in your total costs. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices due to access to 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 discount can bring their pricing down to compete with bigger 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 | $21,160 | 11.2 years |
| 8 kW | $4.01 | $22,448 | $28,653 | 11.0 years |
| 10 kW | $3.93 | $27,510 | $36,366 | 10.8 years |
| 12 kW | $3.85 | $32,352 | $44,300 | 10.6 years |
| 14 kW | $3.77 | $36,973 | $52,453 | 10.3 years |
| 16 kW | $3.69 | $41,375 | $60,827 | 10.1 years |
| 18 kW | $3.62 | $45,557 | $69,421 | 9.9 years |
| 20 kW | $3.54 | $49,518 | $78,235 | 9.7 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
The company that does your solar system installation will affect the warranties and brands available to you, and it will also have an impact on your total cost. Since selecting a company can be difficult, we have some tips to help you, such as:
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s crucial to maintain an open line of communication with your solar panel installer. Confirm that you understand how the installation process will go and the project timeline.
- Warranty: Warranties that provide coverage for replacement parts and repairs over a couple decades are the best you can get in the business, and offering that kind of warranty is one mark of a good company.
- Reputation: Your solar installer should have a solid reputation as a company and have demonstrated expertise in the field. Two ways to check this are to look for whether a company has technicians certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and if it has positive reviews from past customers.
- Solar Panel Brands: Not all solar installers offer the same brands of solar panels, so the brand and type of panel you want can play a big role in the company you go with.
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
Best Technology
Tesla Energy
- Price-match guarantee
- Sleek, efficient, and durable solar panels
- Best solar battery on the market
- Some reported issues with customer service
- Customer service varies by local dealer
EcoWatch's Española, NM Solar Cost FAQs
What is the average cost of installing solar panels in Española?
The average cost of solar panels in Española 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 stuff such as the model of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Are solar panels free in Española?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Española. However, you may still be able to afford 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.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Española?
Most states offer net metering programs of some kind. Through these, you can either be compensated for the extra power your system produces or or receive credits to put toward future electricity bills. Currently there are just three states that don’t have any net metering laws: Alabama, Tennessee and South Dakota.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels 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 typically 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.