Solar Panel Cost Guide in Las Cruces, NM (2024 Update)
- Las Cruces Solar Installation Cost: $14,816
- 25-Year Savings: $27,341
- Payback Period: 9.9 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Las Cruces
Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar in Las Cruces.
The average cost of a solar system in Las Cruces is 4 per watt.Since a 5.4-kW system is needed to cover the energy usage of a typical home in Las Cruces, the average price of going solar will be about $14,816 after claiming the federal solar tax credit of 0.
The true cost of your system can go higher or lower than the average in Las Cruces depending on several factors, such as the brand of solar panels you choose and the solar installer you hire.Despite the significant upfront cost, the average Las Cruces homeowner can save around $26,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the positives of solar.
To calculate your potential savings and connect with a local solar company, click the button below.
Solar savings over time in Las Cruces
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,989 |
| 3 years | $-12,336 |
| 5 years | $-10,683 |
| 7 years | $-9,030 |
| 9 years | $-7,377 |
| 11 years | $-5,724 |
| 13 years | $-4,071 |
| 15 years | $-2,418 |
| 17 years | $-765 |
| 19 years | $888 |
| 21 years | $2,541 |
| 23 years | $4,194 |
| 25 years | $5,847 |
Top Solar Installers in Las Cruces
Although it's possible to install solar panels by yourself, it requires extra effort and handiness. That's why most people choose a solar panel installer. Solar warranties and repairs are ordinarily included in the cost of installation when you opt for a solar company too, which can save you more money after your upfront investment.
If you’d like to start using solar energy but still aren’t certain which solar system company to go with, here are our suggestions for providers nearby:
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 Las Cruces
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Las Cruces
For many Las Cruces homeowners, the decision to install a solar energy system depends on cost. However, the range of solar installation costs can be quite wide in Las Cruces, with typical prices between $20,000 to $40,000. There are numerous factors that greatly 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 uses, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to spend around $3,930 per kilowatt in Las Cruces.The brand of solar panels and equipment you get is another factor that will considerably influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Moreover, solar equipment goes beyond just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to consider the kind of racks used to mount the panels, inverters, solar batteries, etc. It’s important to take all of this into consideration when looking into a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Las Cruces to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area provides access to financing options. Solar loans greatly decrease upfront costs for most homeowners, but they also lead to a higher cost over time due to interest.When figuring out 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 lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
The remaining major cost factor you should consider is the installer you choose. Given the massive popularity of clean energy solutions in Las Cruces, you’ll have many options to choose from, but each comes at varying price points for labor and equipment.The size of the company can sometimes play the most considerable role in the cost. Larger national companies, like SunPro and Sunrun, often have lower prices because they have access to greater resources and bulk 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 lower 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 | $24,549 | 10.3 years |
| 8 kW | $4.01 | $22,448 | $33,172 | 10.1 years |
| 10 kW | $3.93 | $27,510 | $42,016 | 9.9 years |
| 12 kW | $3.85 | $32,352 | $51,079 | 9.7 years |
| 14 kW | $3.77 | $36,973 | $60,362 | 9.5 years |
| 16 kW | $3.69 | $41,375 | $69,866 | 9.3 years |
| 18 kW | $3.62 | $45,557 | $79,590 | 9.1 years |
| 20 kW | $3.54 | $49,518 | $89,533 | 8.9 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
There are a lot of companies to choose from in Las Cruces, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be tough, so here are some tips to help you decide:
- Reputation: Companies that have been operating for many years likely have a good reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Warranty: Companies typically offer different kinds of warranties that provide different kinds of coverage. A 25-year, all-inclusive warranty is the gold standard.
- Contract: Although reading through a contract can take a lot of time, it’s important to do it carefully so you can be sure you understand how much the equipment and services will cost and how part repairs and replacements will be handled.
- Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and how much efficiency they need. Although there are many options for which brand of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so make sure you ask for their list of offerings before deciding.
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 Las Cruces, NM Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Las Cruces?
The average cost of solar panels in Las Cruces 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 certain factors such as the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you consume.
Should I lease or buy solar panels in Las Cruces?
Leasing solar panels can be an option if you are unable to pay upfront or secure a solar loan, but since you don’t own the system, you can’t take advantage of many solar incentives. Also your home 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 savings from going solar.
Can you sell solar power back to the grid in Las Cruces?
Each state has some form of net metering programs except Tennessee, South Dakota and Alabama currently. Some states allow you to sell power back to the grid, but others just give you credit toward your future utility bills.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy consumption and how much 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 get between 20 and 35 panels to account for 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.