Solar Panel Cost Guide in White Rock, NM (2024 Update)

  • White Rock Solar Installation Cost: $15,807
  • 25-Year Savings: $26,214
  • Payback Period: 10.7 Years

See cost of a solar system near you:

By EcoWatch Local Advisors

Data Analysis: James Savino

Ranking Methodology: Karsten Neumeister

Updated June 24, 2024

Why you can trust EcoWatch

We work with a panel of solar experts to create unbiased reviews that empower you to make the right choice for your home. No other site has covered renewables as long as us, which means we have more data and insider information than other sites. Our rankings are never affected by revenue or partnerships.

Average Cost of Solar Panels in White Rock

Let’s have a look at the average cost of solar panels in White Rock.

The national average cost of solar panels is $2.66 per watt, but in White Rock it’s 4 per watt.The average solar panel system size in White Rock is around 5.7 kilowatts, meaning a cost of about $15,807 for a solar installation, or $22,604 before the 0 federal solar tax credit is applied.

How much you pay can be higher or lower than the average in White Rock based on a variety of factors, such as the type of solar panels you choose and the solar contractor you hire.But, once you've paid the upfront cost of installation, the return on investment for most homeowners is usually fruitful, with a net average savings of about $24,000 over 20 years on utility bills.

You can click the button below to get connected with a pre-vetted solar installer in White Rock for a quote for your home.

Solar savings over time in White Rock

YearReturn on Investment
1 years$-14,739
3 years$-12,604
5 years$-10,469
7 years$-8,333
9 years$-6,198
11 years$-4,063
13 years$-1,928
15 years$208
17 years$2,343
19 years$4,478
21 years$6,613
23 years$8,749
25 years$10,884

Top Solar Installers in White Rock

Do-it-yourself solar panel installation is a way to cut costs, but it's an undertaking that can be a headache. Going with a solar panel installer can make your switch to solar power much easier. Local solar companies can also help you maximize your return on investment by walking you through any local incentives you can benefit from and by offering warranties and repairs.

If you're on the hunt for a solar installer in White Rock, we've compiled a list of our top suggestions here:

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 White Rock

Factors that Affect Solar Panel Costs in White Rock

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

When it comes to estimating the cost of a solar energy system in White Rock, one of the most important factors is the size of the system you need. Solar systems are sized by kilowatts (kW) and are largely based on your home’s energy usage, which you can figure out by looking at past electricity bills. Your overall cost can increase by about $3,930 for each additional kilowatt you need.The type of solar panels and equipment you choose is another factor that will largely influence costs. Solar panels that have higher efficiency, like monocrystalline panels, tend to cost more. Furthermore, solar equipment goes beyond 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 White Rock to be prohibitively steep, even if the investment pays off over time. Fortunately, nearly every solar company in the area offers financing options. Solar loans drastically decrease upfront costs in most cases, but they also result in paying more over time due to interest.However, the interest on solar loans also increases your all-in costs, so it’s important to consider that as well. You can always bring down the total you pay in interest and in some cases even your APR by making a larger down payment.

Solar Panel Installation Company

A final factor to keep in mind when trying to evaluate the cost of solar for your home or business in White Rock is the company you choose to install your solar panel system. Similar to choosing a company to renovate your kitchen, for example, there’s no shortage of solar installers that offer a range of services for different budgets.You may notice national solar installers that have lower prices because of their larger brand name and access to bulk equipment prices, or you might see small, local installation companies offering deals or specials to compete with those major players.

Solar Panel Cost Data by System Size

System sizeCost per system wattSolar system cost25-Year savingsPayback period
6 kW$4.09$17,166$21,46311.1 years
8 kW$4.01$22,448$29,05810.9 years
10 kW$3.93$27,510$36,87210.7 years
12 kW$3.85$32,352$44,90710.5 years
14 kW$3.77$36,973$53,16210.3 years
16 kW$3.69$41,375$61,63610.0 years
18 kW$3.62$45,557$70,3319.8 years
20 kW$3.54$49,518$79,2469.6 years

How to Save on Solar Panels

There are numerous companies to choose from in White Rock, and some homeowners feel overwhelmed considering their options. Choosing the right company for you can be difficult, so here are some tips to help you decide:

  • 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 such a warranty is one mark of a quality company.
  • Solar Panel Brands: Homeowners will have different preferences for panels depending on their locations and energy needs. Even though there are many options for which model of solar panel you can get, not every company will have the exact one you may want or need, so be sure to take a look at their list of offerings before making your decision.
  • Contract: When looking through your solar company’s contract, ask for clarification about any terms you’re not sure of and be sure you understand what happens in scenarios such as a system part breaking or if the company goes out of business.
  • Reputation: Long-running companies likely have a solid reputation. This is important because it ensures that it will not only see your solar installation through, but will also provide quality aftercare and customer service, such as part repairs and replacements.

Best for Leasing

Sunrun

★★★★★
4.0
  • Expansive service area
  • Many financing options
  • Some reported issues with customer service
  • Some reported issues with door-to-door sales

Best Technology

Tesla Energy

★★★★★
3.2
  • 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 White Rock, NM Solar Cost FAQs

How much does it cost to install solar panels in White Rock?

The average cost of solar panels in White Rock 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 things like the type of solar panels you want, what size system you need and how much energy you use.

Is cost the most important thing to consider when buying solar panels?

Cost is certainly one of the most important factors you should consider when buying solar panels, but other important factors include efficiency, durability, and quality.

Can solar panels eliminate my electricity bills?

It is possible to erase your electricity bills with solar panels, but for most homeowners in White Rock, that will require at least a 10-kW system. Not all homes will have the roof space for that size system, so you’ll want to check with a local solar installer to see how many panels can fit on your roof.

How many solar panels should I get to power my home?

The exact number of solar panels you need depends on your household energy needs and the amount of 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 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.