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Copyright © 2012 Albuquerque Journal
Albuquerque’s three largest solar installers say the cost of a photovoltaic system ranges from about $9,000 for an average PNM customer to $17,000 for a high-end electric user after subtracting thousands of dollars in subsidies and credits.
Representatives from Affordable Solar Group, Direct Power & Water Corp. and Consolidated Solar Technologies provided the estimates but cautioned there is no apples-to-apples comparison because too many variables are involved. Factors in cost differences include varying projections on the number of panels needed, the exact amount paid by customers to PNM each month, amount of electricity produced, wholesale prices for panels and components, loan terms, installation logistics, and other things. The companies say their goal is to reduce the amount of energy consumed from PNM to a minimum, and then zero out any remaining PNM charges through incentive payments, and through net metering on days and in months when the customer’s electric use is low. Most installers work with local banks to providing financing for customers. The company responses show general price ranges and benefits of federal, state and utility incentives to purchase photovoltaic systems today.
