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Your Guide to Solar Panels in New Mexico: 7 Steps to Solar Panels in New Mexico
By Dan Simms /
Top 5 Best Solar Companies in New Mexico (2023 Reviews)
In this guide to New Mexico’s best solar companies, we’ll answer your questions including:
- What are the best solar providers in New Mexico?
- How did we select and rank New Mexico’s solar companies?
- What should you consider when choosing a solar installer in New Mexico?
What Are New Mexico’s Top 5 Solar Energy Companies?
With abundant sunlight and an average of over 300 sunny days a year, New Mexico has the perfect landscape for solar.1
Solar has continued to explode in popularity nationwide and over the past decade, the cost of going solar in New Mexico has fallen by 53%.2
If you’re a New Mexico homeowner looking to go solar, the biggest decision regarding your solar installation is which company you hire. That’s why we’ve carefully researched and ranked the top five solar energy companies in New Mexico.
- NM Solar Group: Outstanding Local Installer
- SunPower: Best National Provider
- OE Solar: Solar Veteran
- Solar Works: Outstanding Local Installer
- ADT Solar: Best Warranty Coverage
NM Solar Group
Oustanding Local Installer
Local Service
Average cost
Pros
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Outstanding customer service
- Makes charitable contributions
- Competitive pricing
Cons
- Slightly limited service offerings
- Relatively young company
NM Solar Group is an employee-owned, New Mexico-based solar company with several locations throughout the state. NM Solar Group has completed 1,500+ solar installations in New Mexico since 2015 and has an in-house team of experts. They will assist you with every step of the process, including the consultation, design, financing, installation and maintenance of your solar panel system. NM Solar Group’s full-service attention makes communication easy and the entire installation process quicker.
Because NM Solar Group is based in New Mexico, it is very familiar with the state’s solar landscape. Its employees can help customize your solar project to fit your New Mexico home’s needs, including flat roofs and ground mounts. NM Solar Group says that it can “complete jobs that other large, national brands won’t” because its in-house team will consider each project individually.3
The NM Solar Group has been successful in New Mexico’s solar market, with customers consistently giving it top-notch reviews. The company also has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).
The company currently holds certifications with the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), Home Advisor and UL, and if you choose NM Solar Group to install your solar panel system, you’ll receive a Pearl Certification that can add value to your home during sale or refinancing. That means that NM Solar Group goes above and beyond in qualifications and certifications in the solar field.
Additionally, you’ll get the peace of mind of a 25-year workmanship warranty, so if there are any complications with your solar panel installation, NM Solar will cover it for up to 25 years (long past the industry standard of 10 years).
We also like that NM Solar Group gives back. The company makes a $20 donation to GivePower — a nonprofit that develops clean water and energy for communities across the globe — for every solar installation it performs.
Although NM Solar Group has been thriving in New Mexico, it hasn’t been in business as long as other competitors, and its services are limited to solar panels, energy storage and maintenance. If you’re looking for solar add-ons like efficiency upgrades or EV chargers, you’ll have to go elsewhere.
Facts and Figures: NM Solar Group
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4.5 |
| A+ |
| $$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Maintenance & Repairs |
SunPower
Best National Provider
Pros
- Most efficient panels on the market
- National coverage
- Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
- Great warranty coverage
Cons
- Expensive
- Customer service varies by local dealer
If you’re familiar with solar energy providers, you’ve probably heard of SunPower. Since 1985, the company has manufactured solar energy systems for NASA spacecraft, designed the most efficient solar panels on the market and installed residential solar systems across the nation.
SunPower designs every major feature of the modern solar system — including panels, inverters and batteries — so all aspects work together and are protected by one in-house warranty. Other solar installers, by comparison, typically provide separate warranties for the installation and each piece of equipment.
SunPower can offer solar installations in nearly every state by connecting customers to local, SunPower-certified dealers. Companies that become certified dealers can sell SunPower’s Maxeon brand solar panels, which are some of the most efficient and durable panels on the market. Several certified SunPower dealers operate in New Mexico, including NM Solar Group, Positive Energy Solar and Organ Mountain Solar.
While you’ll be getting a high-quality product if you choose SunPower, the customer service you receive can vary depending on the local provider you hire. Therefore, you should research the SunPower providers in your area before starting your solar project. We recommend choosing a SunPower dealer based in New Mexico so your installer will have state-specific knowledge and expertise.
Facts and Figures: SunPower
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Year Founded |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
| Warranty Coverage |
| 5 |
| A+ |
| 1985 |
| $$$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, System Monitoring |
| SunPower Panels |
| 25-year all-inclusive warranty |
OE Solar
Solar Veteran
Regional Service
Average cost
Pros
- Many years of experience
- Comprehensive service offerings
- Outstanding customer service
Cons
- No leases or PPAs
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
OE Solar is locally based in Albuquerque and has been installing solar energy systems in New Mexico since 2009. With more than a decade of experience in the state and nearly 500 solar projects under its belt, OE Solar is a trusted solar veteran.4
The company also holds certifications with the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), which is one of the most respected and widely recognized certifications in the renewable energy space. According to the company’s website, its team has over 60 years of combined experience in solar installations.
We like that OE Solar offers a wide selection of brands and services, including the Tesla Powerwall, EV charger installations and more. That means that OE Solar can help you with renewable energy needs beyond solar panels. OE Solar also installs government, commercial and community solar projects, adding to its extensive range of project types.
OE Solar also offers energy-efficiency audits, to explain whether or not solar power is the right fit for your New Mexico home and discuss what kind of savings you can expect beforehand.
Facts and Figures: OE Solar
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4.5 |
| Not Rated |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Energy-Efficiency Upgrades, Maintenance & Repairs |
Solar Works
Oustanding Local Installer
Local Service
Average cost
Pros
- Many financing options
- Locally owned and operated
- Outstanding customer service
- Representatives are experts on local policies
Cons
- Relatively young company
- Limited brands of solar equipment available
Another local gem is Albuquerque-based Solar Works. With a combined 30+ years of industry experience, Solar Works promises to offer customers unbiased information about solar energy, and that’s evident with the free educational resources available on its website.
Solar Works is NABCEP certified, holds an A+ rating with the BBB and earned Panasonic’s “Installer of the Year” award for the Southwest region in 2021. The company is also branded as a Panasonic Solar premium installer — we found that Panasonic solar panels work the best in high temperatures compared to other solar brands, making them a great choice for New Mexico’s hot summers.
Solar Works’ prices for solar installation are comparable to other New Mexico-based solar companies but tend to be more affordable than national companies like SunPower. We like that Solar Works offers a variety of financing options for its customers, including $0-down loans, to make going solar more accessible to more people. Solar Works even offers solar leases, although we don’t recommend leasing New Mexico solar panels if possible.
Facts and Figures: Solar Works
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| 4 |
| A+ |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, Maintenance & Repairs, Solar Carports |
ADT Solar
Best Warranty Coverage
Pros
- Industry-leading warranty coverage
- Expansive service area
Cons
- Some reported communication issues
- No leases or PPAs
ADT Solar (formerly Sunpro Solar) is another nationwide solar company that services 26 different states, including New Mexico. ADT Solar services the state from its Albuquerque location and offers a wide selection of solar technologies and brands. We also like ADT Solar because it has affordable pricing and excellent warranty coverage.
ADT Solar has an in-house team of installers and solar experts, so although the company operates nationwide, the ADT Albuquerque team is focused solely on New Mexico. Given the state’s hot weather and unique architectural style, it’s best to have a team experienced with solar installations in New Mexico.
Because ADT Solar is a nationally operating company, its customer service can vary depending on which office services your area. The Albuquerque office has some lackluster reviews that cite poor customer service and long response times.
Facts and Figures: ADT Solar
| EcoWatch Rating |
|---|
| Better Business Bureau (BBB) Rating |
| Year Founded |
| Average Cost ($-$$$$$) |
| Solar Services |
| Brands of Solar Equipment Offered |
| Warranty Coverage |
| 4 |
| A- |
| 2008 |
| $$$ |
| Solar Panels, Solar Batteries, EV Chargers, Energy-Efficiency Upgrades |
| Silfab, Panasonic and others depending on location |
| 25-year all-inclusive warranty |
How Can You Save Money When Hiring a Solar Company in New Mexico?
The average size solar panel system needed to meet a household’s energy needs is 7 kilowatts (kW). Given that going solar costs around $2.68 per watt in New Mexico, the average total cost of a solar panel system is $18,760 before applying any New Mexico solar incentives or rebates.
Are you thinking of going solar but hesitant about the price tag? There are plenty of ways to save money when going solar in New Mexico, including:
- Taking advantage of New Mexico’s abundant solar incentives
- Getting several quotes and doing your own research
- Putting more money down when possible or paying for your system in cash
Take Advantage of New Mexico’s Abundant Solar Incentives
New Mexico has several generous solar incentives that make rooftop photovoltaic (PV) systems significantly cheaper. The state offers net metering, a statewide tax credit and tax exemptions on top of the 30% federal tax credit on all solar electric systems. Not to mention, you’ll no longer have to pay an electric bill to your utility company if your solar panels generate enough energy to meet your home’s needs.
| New Mexico Solar Incentive | Description |
| Federal Solar Tax Credit (ITC) | The federal solar tax credit has open eligibility and is available to all New Mexico residents. The credit gets applied to your federal income tax liability for the year your solar panels are installed and commissioned. The credit totals 30% of your total solar project cost, which averages around $5,628 in New Mexico.5 |
| Solar Market Development Tax Credit | A statewide credit that gets applied to your state income tax liability for the year your system is installed and turned on. The credit can carry over for five additional years if you cannot claim the entire credit at once. The credit totals 10% of your total system cost but only applies to small and moderately-sized solar arrays. In New Mexico, where the average system totals $18,760, the typical credit is $1,876. |
| Net Metering | A billing policy that allows you to offset your electricity costs by earning credits for excess energy production. Any energy you overproduce with your panels can be “banked” with your power provider and used to reduce energy costs when your panels underproduce, like at night or in cloudy conditions. |
| Gross Receipts Tax Exemption | A tax exemption that prevents solar panel installation companies from having to pay sales and use tax on solar equipment.6 You will also see these savings as a solar customer, so you won’t have to pay sales tax on your equipment either. In New Mexico, where the state sales tax is 5.125%, most homeowners will save an average of $961. |
| Property Tax Exemption for Residential Solar Systems | When you carry out a home improvement and raise the value of your home, your assessed value will also increase, which means your property taxes will go up. Although solar panels will bump up your property value, New Mexico’s Property Tax Exemption prevents your property taxes from increasing as a result. |
Get Several Quotes and Do Your Own Research
The solar industry in New Mexico is thriving, meaning you have many options for solar companies in the state. It may be tempting to go with the first estimate you receive, but before you commit to a solar installer, call around and get several quotes. Most solar companies will visit your house and give you a free quote with no obligation.
You can save money and trouble in the long run by doing your research beforehand. Read reviews on reputable customer review sites like TrustPilot or the BBB, speak with representatives and compare quotes to make sure you’re getting the best service and deal possible.
Put More Money Down When Possible or Pay For Your System in Cash
We acknowledge that paying for the entire cost of a solar panel system upfront is not feasible for all homeowners. However, homeowners that do pay for their system in cash will start saving money faster and save more over time by avoiding interest payments on a solar loan.
But even if you don’t pay in cash, you will still be able to save a significant amount of money on electricity costs just by installing a rooftop solar system and generating clean energy. With a loan, the more money you put down upfront and the more you pay each month, the less you’ll end up paying in interest.
There are also plenty of affordable solar loans available in New Mexico, like the mosaic loan. You can speak with your local solar installer to learn more about what options you have.7
See Also: Calculate How Much You Can Save By Going Solar
Will Solar Increase Your Home Value in New Mexico?
One of the reasons why going solar in New Mexico is worth it is because installing solar panels will likely increase your home’s value. According to a Berkeley National Lab study of 20,000 homes in the U.S., your home’s value will increase by an average of $3.78 per watt of solar energy installed. So if your home has a 7-kW system, the average size for New Mexico, that would be a $26,460 increase in value.8
Should New Mexico Residents Hire a Professional Solar Installer or DIY?
You may be wondering if you can save money by installing solar panels on your home yourself. Although it may be relatively straightforward to install smaller solar panel setups that power RVs, boats or small appliances, we strongly recommend going with a professional if you want to power your entire home with solar.
For starters, labor costs typically make up only 10% of the total cost of your solar installation. Considering that the average solar panel system in New Mexico costs around $18,760, you could save around $1,876 when you DIY your home’s solar installation. The majority of your total system cost is the solar equipment itself, which you will still need to purchase whether you DIY or not.
If one or more of these qualifications do not apply to you, we highly recommend going with a professional:
- You feel comfortable standing and working on your roof;
- You are willing to take the time to apply for and secure the proper permitting and zoning necessary to install solar panels;
- You have prior experience with electrical work;
- You have all the proper equipment and tools, and;
- You are willing to apply for solar incentives, tax credits and rebates in New Mexico yourself.
What Should New Mexico Residents Look For in a Solar Installer?
When we selected our top-recommended solar companies in New Mexico, we considered several factors that every homeowner should also consider when looking for a solar installer.
The most important factors to think about when choosing a solar installation company is whether or not it:
- Has necessary solar licenses and certifications
- Provides top-notch customer service
- Offers the solar brands, products and services you need
Solar Licenses and Certifications
In New Mexico, contractors need an electrical or mechanical license to install solar panels. Anyone doing hands-on work and dealing with electrical wiring in the state must have a journeyman certification.
Optional certifications through the SEIA, NABCEP or another organization are also a bonus.
Ask your solar installer about their certifications and qualifications before you begin your project. Your solar company should also assist you with applying for interconnection and other solar incentives available in New Mexico.
Provides Top-Notch Customer Service
A solar company could offer an excellent lineup of products and warranties, but that is pointless without quality customer service to back it up. Of course, when dealing with any solar company, you want its representatives to communicate with you throughout the installation process, have extensive knowledge and experience with solar and be available even after the installation.
But how do you know if a company will offer great customer service? Every company is going to claim they have the “best” service, but not all of them follow through.
The best way to avoid poor service is to do your research ahead of time. Read online reviews from reputable websites like the BBB, Trustpilot or Google Reviews. Make sure to read both negative and positive reviews, and see what the most recent reviews have to say.
Offers the Solar Brands, Products and Services You Need
Although all of our top companies sell and install solar panels, you may want additional solar products like EV chargers, solar batteries, solar carports, inverters and more. Or, you may have your heart set on a certain brand or product, like the sought-after Tesla solar shingles.
Not every company offers the same solar lineup, so you’ll want to take each company’s offerings into consideration. Larger companies like ADT Solar offer more solar products and brands in New Mexico than locally-owned companies like OE Solar.
However, even the smaller solar companies on our list offer a great selection, and a locally-owned company may be able to work with you on a more personal level to get exactly what you want.
Methodology: How We Ranked New Mexico’s Solar Companies
When we rank our top solar companies, we start by identifying the factors that matter most when ensuring that our readers find a trustworthy, reliable and environmentally responsible installation. We’ve listed those factors as categories below. We then weigh these factors against the industry benchmark (a company meeting the industry standard in all categories would earn 4 stars in our rating system).
Our goal is to deliver unbiased reports and honest solar reviews, thus, our methodology is not affected by commercial partnerships and is specifically tailored to New Mexico homes.
- Solar Services (20%)
- Qualifications, Reputation & Certifications (20%)
- Solar Warranty & Customer Support (15%)
- Solar Financing Options (15%)
- Experience (10%)
- Availability (10%)
- Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance Factors (10%)
Solar Services
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers: in-house installations, energy storage systems (solar batteries) and home-efficiency audits or upgrades. A company can earn bonus points if it offers additional services that we don’t consider essential, including electric vehicle chargers, home thermostats, etc. The industry standard that we measure against includes solar panel and backup battery installations only.
In New Mexico, ADT Solar and OE Solar excel the most in this category, offering a wide array of solar services, including EV Charger stations, solar batteries and energy efficiency upgrades.
Qualifications, Reputation & Certifications
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it is: NABCEP-certified, has a minimum of 4 stars over its last 100 reviews on Google, an A+ rating with the BBB and 4 or more stars on Glassdoor to reflect employee satisfaction and low turnover rate. We give bonus points for additional certifications, such as LEED or with the Building Performance Institute (BPI). We flag a company for further review if it has any track record of lawsuits or customer rights violations.
In New Mexico, NM Solar Group ranked the highest in this category, holding certifications with the SEIA, Home Advisor and UL. OE Solar also ranked highly, holding NABCEP certification.
OE Solar is not yet ranked by the BBB, and ADT Solar has an A- rating with the BBB and lower customer reviews. As such, these companies lost points in these categories.
Solar Warranty & Customer Support
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers 25-year warranties that cover performance, product and workmanship. The industry standard that we measure companies against is 25-year product and performance warranties, along with a 10-year workmanship warranty. We also look closely into the track record of the post-installation support each company provides in terms of honoring its warranties.
Of our top-ranked solar companies in New Mexico, SunPower offers the best warranty, with 25 years of all-inclusive coverage. ADT Solar also has an excellent warranty. However, because some ADT Customers reported slow response times to warranty claims, SunPower ranked the highest in this category.
Solar Financing Options
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers multiple financing options, including in-house options in addition to partner organizations. As many solar companies choose not to offer leases and PPAs in the interest of consumer well-being, we do not dock points for companies that don’t offer them.
Of the top solar companies in New Mexico, Solar Works and SunPower offer the best selection of solar financing options.
Experience in New Mexico
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it has 10+ years of experience installing solar. The industry standard that we measure against is at least five years of experience.
OE Solar has been operating the longest in New Mexico, so it ranked highest in this category.
Availability
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers services in the majority of New Mexico.
All of our top picks for solar companies in New Mexico offer services throughout the state, but NM Solar Group ranked the highest because it has offices in Las Cruces, Alamogordo and Albuquerque.
Environmental, Social & Corporate Governance Factors
A company earns a perfect score in this category if it offers public data disclosure, addresses end-of-life (EoL) products or processes and demonstrates a commitment to uplifting the communities that it serves.
SunPower ranked the highest in this category because its solar panels are Cradle to Cradle certified, which ensures products are safe and responsibly made.
FAQ: Best Solar Companies in New Mexico
The EcoWatch team gets tons of questions about clean energy options for New Mexico residents. Below are some commonly asked questions and our responses. If you have specific questions that aren’t answered here, reach out to our team of solar experts at solar@ecowatch.com.
Based on all of our research and the many factors we assess when reviewing companies, the EcoWatch team has determined that NM Solar Group is the most reputable solar company in New Mexico.
Yes. The type of solar panel you choose is always important because different panel brands will affect your overall cost of going solar, your solar system’s durability and energy efficiency.
However, panel selection matters less than other factors for most New Mexico residents. Having durable panels can be helpful when it comes to standing up to the sometimes extreme weather in New Mexico, but positive customer service and robust warranty options are usually more important.
It’s hard to say which New Mexico solar company is going to be the most affordable because each provider will give you an individual quote based on the needs of your home.
While installing solar panels can be an expensive upfront investment, remember that you’re likely going to save even more money in the long run with lower utility bills. Plus, the cheapest solar provider in New Mexico may not be the best solar provider for your home. It’s best to use our EcoWatch Ratings to compare companies based on more than just cost to find the one that will suit your needs best.
Based on data from the SEIA, 69 solar companies are currently operating in New Mexico, with 40 of those companies committed to installing solar energy systems.
Not necessarily. National solar companies may have better brand recognition and product offerings, but local businesses can be more helpful to New Mexico homeowners when it comes to navigating local tax exemptions and other solar incentives specific to the state.
As mentioned above, we have excluded some companies from our New Mexico rankings. This decision was made after assessing companies for ongoing lawsuits with customers, below-average customer service or customer care specifically in New Mexico, and other factors that could prevent a company from providing the service you need and deserve.
Related articles
Top Installers For New Mexico
Comparing authorized solar partners
Average cost
Pros
Cons
BBB Rating
Year founded
Service Area
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Warranty Coverage
-
- Offers products from leading manufacturers
- Outstanding customer service
- Makes charitable contributions
- Competitive pricing
- Slightly limited service offerings
- Relatively young company
A+Oustanding Local Installer
Having trouble deciding? Click below and use our process to receive multiple quotes instead: