Top 5 Best Solar Companies in New Mexico (2022 Rankings & Reviews)

More and more New Mexico residents are choosing solar solutions over traditional energy, with the state now ranked 19th in the country for solar installations. And it makes sense. New Mexico sees nearly 300 days of sunshine a year and offers great solar benefits and incentives — including a statewide net metering policy and the New Mexico Solar Tax Credit.

Going solar in New Mexico can help you significantly reduce or even eliminate your electric bill and lower your carbon footprint, along with tons of other benefits. But with more than 70 solar companies in the state, how can you know which are the best solar companies in New Mexico?

The EcoWatch Solar Reviews Team has done in-depth research on dozens of solar companies in New Mexico, comparing pricing, efficiency, experience, customer care and more. In this article, we’ll explain why our picks are the top five companies you should consider hiring for your solar panel installation in New Mexico.

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What Are the Top 5 Solar Companies in New Mexico?

Below, you’ll find a quick, “at a glance” view of the top five solar companies in New Mexico with some basic but important information.

You might be surprised to find that some more popular companies — like Vivint Solar and Titan Solar Power — don’t appear in our rankings. This is a conscious decision based on issues with customer service in New Mexico, specifically; low local availability; or lawsuits that are pending with consumers.

All of these companies service New Mexico, including the greater Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Rio Rancho, Las Cruces and Los Alamos areas. Some of these companies expand well beyond New Mexico, too.

Note: The EcoWatch Ratings you see in the company snapshots at the top of this page reflect our overall assessment of the company, but our rankings reflect the best solar companies in New Mexico, specifically. If you notice that a company lower on our list has a higher EcoWatch Rating, it’s likely because it’s a great company but there are better installers for this specific area.

1. NM Solar Group

NM Solar Group is a locally owned solar company serving all of New Mexico and the El Paso, Texas, area. It has a lot of the perks you’d expect with a local company, like outstanding customer service and employees who have a deep understanding of New Mexico’s climate and solar laws. Since 2015, NM Solar Group has received top-notch reviews from customers, as well as an impressive A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

We also found several other areas where NM Solar Group succeeds. 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. Additionally, you’ll get the peace of mind of a 25-year workmanship warranty, which means if there are any complications with the labor of your solar panel installation, NM Solar will take care of it for up to 25 years (long past the 10-year warranty that is the industry standard).

Lastly, we 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.

Pros for NM Solar Group

NM Solar Group is a high-quality company with a solid track record, which is why we ranked it at the top of our list of the best solar companies in New Mexico.

• Excellent technology and product portfolio, including SunPower products
• Affordable
• Excellent customer reviews
• Makes a $20 donation to GivePower for every solar installation

Cons for NM Solar Group

Every company has areas of improvement. Here are a few downsides to going with NM Solar Group:

• Services are limited to solar panels, energy storage and maintenance (no efficiency upgrades, EV chargers or other additional services)
• Hasn’t been in business as long as top competitors
• Few customer reviews online

Facts and Figures: NM Solar Group

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2. SunPower

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 (panels, inverters and batteries), meaning that all aspects work together and are protected by one in-house warranty. (That’s compared to other solar installations that typically result in different warranties from the installer, panel brand, battery brand, etc.)

SunPower is able to offer installations in nearly every state by connecting customers with local, certified SunPower dealers. While SunPower may be one of the most recognized American solar companies, it may not be able to offer the same amount of local expertise that a New Mexico-based company can. While the certification process holds rigorous standards, you may experience varying customer service with the electricians who carry out the physical installation.

Pros for SunPower

SunPower has earned its place in the solar industry, with close to four decades of experience in solar installations. The company offers the most efficient solar panels on the market, great warranty and solar financing options, and has a great reputation for customer care.

• SunPower’s solar panels are the most efficient on the market
• SunPower designs its solar panels more sustainably than most competitors, earning them Cradle to Cradle certifications
• All-inclusive warranty and financing options including solar leases and power purchase agreements (PPAs)
• Excellent customer service

Cons for SunPower

Overall, SunPower is a great solar installer, but it may not be the best company for New Mexico homeowners. The quality of your experience with SunPower — and the company’s local expertise — will depend on the SunPower dealer closest to you.

• Can have high upfront costs
• The company is not local, therefore the quality of your installation will depend on your local SunPower dealer
• Most effective when using exclusively SunPower products (some customers may want the flexibility to use Enphase inverters or a Tesla Powerwall)

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3. OE Solar

OE Solar is another local solar company, based in Albuquerque. We’ve noted OE Solar as a Solar Veteran because it’s been installing solar energy systems in New Mexico since 2009.

Not only does OE Solar have over a decade of experience in the state, but 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 way beyond solar panels. OE Solar also offers energy-efficiency audits, which shows that this company is going to make sure going solar is truly the right choice for your New Mexico home and will explain what kind of savings you can expect beforehand. OE Solar isn’t just here to make the big sale, and we respect that.

Pros for OE Solar

We really can’t say enough good things about OE Solar. Its local background and experience make it an excellent choice for New Mexico homeowners, and its wide variety of services make it a reputable choice for all renewable energy needs.

• 10+ years of experience in New Mexico
• Robust selection of brands and services including the Tesla Powerwall, EV chargers, energy efficiency audits and more
• Excellent customer service and help with New Mexico solar incentive programs

Cons for OE Solar

Although we have a lot of great things to say about OE Solar, there are a few things we’ve found that could be improved:

• Doesn’t offer solar leases or power-purchase-agreements (PPA)
• Although it offers equipment from some of the top solar brands, we’d like to see a slightly larger selection

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4. Solar Works

Another local gem is Albuquerque-based Solar Works. Solar Works prides itself on being committed to the mission of solar energy installations to improve the planet, not just to make a quick buck. 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 PanasonicSolar premium installer, and 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 you can help it).

Pros for Solar Works

The biggest upside to choosing Solar Works is its extensive knowledge not only of the solar industry, but also about New Mexico and the Southwestern climate. Overall, it’s a well-rounded local company with many positive aspects, including:

• Versatile selection of financing plans ($0-down loans, leases)
• Prompt and responsive local customer service
• Local knowledge, priority to New Mexico homeowners

Cons for Solar Works

While we think you’ll likely be satisfied installing solar panels with Solar Works, we think the company has a few areas that could use improvement.

• Like with OE Solar, we’d like to see Solar Works offer a few more equipment brands to choose from
• Relatively young company
• Not many customer reviews online

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5. Sunpro Solar

Sunpro Solar is a massive national company that services all of New Mexico, as well as 26 other states. As a larger company, there is potential for subpar customer service in some areas, but it largely depends on your precise location and which local office will be handling your installation.

Sunpro maintains very affordable pricing, and it accepts payment options including cash purchases and solar loans. It doesn’t offer leases and power purchase agreements, though.

Sunpro has great coverage under its warranties, which last 25 years from installation. This provides peace of mind that your system will last through any extreme weather in the area. Sunpro has limited services, but it installs a good array of solar equipment brands.

Click here to read our full review of Sunpro Solar.

Pros for Sunpro Solar

Sunpro’s one of the best-known names in the solar industry, and for good reason. Here are some of its biggest perks:

• Wide range of solar technology and brands
• Great warranties

Cons for Sunpro Solar

Because of its size, there have been some customer complaints about spotty communication. Here are some downsides to working with Sunpro:

• Customer service will depend on your local Sunpro branch
• No leases or PPAs

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EcoWatch Criteria for Selecting the Top Solar Company in New Mexico

At EcoWatch, we strive to provide you with a complete picture of solar companies in New Mexico, which involves exploring each option from different angles and focusing on key criteria. Below are some of the most crucial factors we consider when reviewing New Mexico solar companies and assigning our EcoWatch Ratings. For detailed information on how we conduct these reviews, visit our methodology page.

Warranty

Solar conversions are expensive, and most homeowners will want their equipment and installation services to be covered by warranties. Equipment and production warranties can cover physical damage and energy output, while labor warranties will cover the installation process, workmanship and roof damage caused by the solar panels.

Labor warranties are important in any area to guarantee good service, but most New Mexico homeowners are more concerned with physical coverage. New Mexico experiences severe thunderstorms with high winds, large hail, lightning and heavy rain, which can put your panels at risk of damage. Warranties covering damage and maintenance can make your investment in renewable energy feel a lot safer.

Year Founded

With solar energy increasing in popularity throughout New Mexico, there are many “fly by night” companies popping up to turn a profit in the booming solar industry. In some cases, these companies provide poor service and end up not sticking around for very long after they open for business.

It’s common sense to want a company that has been around a while and earned its name in the solar industry. But, the longevity of the company is also important when considering warranties, as those warranties are only good as long as the company is in business. The EcoWatch team always gives preference to companies that have more than five years of experience and have a proven record of success.

Services Offered

Solar installation companies can vary quite a bit based on the number of services they provide. Some companies, like NM Solar Group, stick to straightforward solar panel and battery installations and won’t install other equipment, while full-service companies can tackle solar panels, batteries, electric vehicle chargers, solar carports, energy-efficiency upgrades and more.

Companies with a robust range of services tend to rank higher because they can meet the needs of more customers.

Brands of Solar Equipment Offered

The brands of equipment provided by solar companies can vary a lot. Some companies only install one brand or a handful of brands, while others sell most of the more popular options that range in durability, energy efficiency and price.

Companies that sell many different solar equipment brands can appeal to solar customers looking for specific hardware, like Tesla Powerwalls or Enphase Encharge batteries. Or, a consumer may be seeking the most efficient solar panels or the cheapest solar panels on the market. As such, companies that have a wide range of products tend to rank a bit higher on EcoWatch.

Industry Affiliations

Many solar panel installation companies are in the industry primarily to make a profit. While this isn’t always a bad thing, companies that have philanthropic mission statements or are genuinely interested in improving the environment and making renewable energy more accessible score higher in our ratings. This is because they’re more likely to provide good service and stick around in the industry, even if solar installations decline in the future.

A good way to gauge how connected to the industry a company is is to identify the affiliations it has with solar organizations. Companies score higher in our rankings if they are affiliated with organizations like the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA) and if they have certifications from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP).

Size of Company

Solar companies vary in size, with some maintaining a service area exclusively in New Mexico or the southwest and others working with dealers across the nation. While a certain size company won’t appeal to everyone, there are some significant differences between local and national companies to consider.

Smaller companies tend to have better customer service, more customization options for your solar electric system, and can sometimes expedite connection to the grid for net metering if they maintain good relationships with local utility companies, like the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM). On the other hand, larger national companies often have more flexibility with scheduling and lower prices because they buy their equipment in bulk.

Solar Pricing and Financing

The last major consideration the EcoWatch team makes is regarding a company’s overall pricing and financing options. Our data shows the average price of going solar in New Mexico is about $18,760 before applying the federal tax credit or local rebates, which is a hefty upfront cost. Companies with below-average pricing can often appeal to more customers, provided the value is also there.

Additionally, companies that offer more financing options make solar more accessible and therefore score a bit higher in our rankings. Solar installers who have more robust financing options for solar loans — including no-money-down and low-APR options — usually score the highest because they appeal to the widest audience.

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