Solar Panel Cost Guide in Raton, NM (2024 Update)
- Raton Solar Installation Cost: $15,914
- 25-Year Savings: $43,446
- Payback Period: 7.3 Years
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Average Cost of Solar Panels in Raton
See how much it might cost to switch to solar power in Raton.
While the national average of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, solar panels in Raton typically cost around 4.The average Raton homeowner needs a 5.8-kilowatt system, which would cost about $15,914 with the federal tax credit, or $22,757 before the 0 tax credit is applied.
How much you pay can go above or below the average in Raton based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar company you hire.Despite the significant initial cost, the average Raton homeowner can save around $36,000 on their energy bills over 20 years, which is one of the advantages of solar.
Click the button below to get connected to a top solar company in your area for a customized quote.
Solar savings over time in Raton
| Year | Return on Investment |
|---|---|
| 1 years | $-13,879 |
| 3 years | $-9,811 |
| 5 years | $-5,742 |
| 7 years | $-1,673 |
| 9 years | $2,396 |
| 11 years | $6,465 |
| 13 years | $10,534 |
| 15 years | $14,603 |
| 17 years | $18,672 |
| 19 years | $22,741 |
| 21 years | $26,809 |
| 23 years | $30,878 |
| 25 years | $34,947 |
Top Solar Installers in Raton
When switching to solar energy, many homeowners decide to hire a solar installation company since putting up a solar system yourself can be a challenging project. Some solar companies, especially local ones, can help you better understand incentives in Raton, therefore optimizing your ROI.
There are several licensed solar professionals that can help you install your solar system. Here are our suggestions:
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 Raton
Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in Raton
There are a number of factors that can play into your solar panel installation cost, such as the size of your system, the equipment you choose, your financing options and the specific company that installs your solar system.
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 electricity your household consumes, the larger your system will likely need to be. You can expect to pay around $3,930 per kilowatt in Raton.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. Further, solar equipment is more than just the solar panels themselves. You’ll also need to decide on 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 for a solar system that’s in your budget.
Solar Financing Terms
Many homeowners find the average cost of solar in Raton to be too expensive, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar installer in the area provides financing options. Solar loans remarkably decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.When trying to figure out your overall cost, you should also calculate the interest you’ll pay if you opt for a solar loan. Also, paying more on your down payment can lower the total interest paid over time.
Solar Panel Installation Company
Finally, the company you choose to install your solar system can impact the cost. Raton’s solar companies all have different labor costs and add varying upcharges to equipment. 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 choose a company that offers the products, warranties and services you want 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 | $39,151 | 7.6 years |
| 8 kW | $4.01 | $22,448 | $52,642 | 7.5 years |
| 10 kW | $3.93 | $27,510 | $66,353 | 7.3 years |
| 12 kW | $3.85 | $32,352 | $80,283 | 7.2 years |
| 14 kW | $3.77 | $36,973 | $94,434 | 7.0 years |
| 16 kW | $3.69 | $41,375 | $108,805 | 6.9 years |
| 18 kW | $3.62 | $45,557 | $123,396 | 6.7 years |
| 20 kW | $3.54 | $49,518 | $138,207 | 6.6 years |
How to Save on Solar Panels
Since the kind of solar panels and the installation company you choose considerably impacts your costs and your system’s efficiency, production, and durability, it’s important to select the right ones for you. Here are some things to keep in mind to help with your decision:
- Solar Panel Brands: Each solar panel brand and kind offers varying levels of quality, longevity and energy efficiency. They will come at different prices as well. The company you choose plays a role in which solar panel brands you have access to.
- Installation Process: When going solar, it’s essential to keep an open line of communication with your solar company. See to it that you understand how the installation process works and the completion timeline.
- Reputation: Long-standing companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar project through, but will also provide adequate aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.
- Contract: Before you sign a contract with a solar installer, make sure to look it over carefully so you understand the terms. Also, ask questions if you’re unsure about some of the terms, such as what to do if a component breaks or malfunctions and if there are any guarantees about energy production.
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 Raton, NM Solar Cost FAQs
How much does it cost to install solar panels in Raton?
The average cost of solar panels in Raton is about $19,650 for a 5-kW system and $39,300 for a 10-kW system before the ITC, but the real 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.
Are solar panels free in Raton?
You can’t get solar panels for free in Raton. However, you may still be able to get them on a lower budget. You can lease solar panels for a low upfront cost or, if you’d prefer to own your solar panels, you can finance them with a solar loan.
Is it worth going solar in Raton?
Whether or not solar panels are worth it depends on some different factors like how much you pay for electricity and the amount of direct sunlight your roof gets.
What solar power system size is right for my home?
To figure out how many solar panels you need, you need to know how much energy your home uses 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 household 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.