Top 5 Best Solar Companies in New Mexico (2022 Rankings & Reviews)
We recommend vetted solar companies that have:
- Availability in your area
- Affordable pricing and financing options
- At least 5 years of experience
- Outstanding customer reviews
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Best Solar Companies in New Mexico
Our reviews are curated by a team of solar experts, backed by insider data and reviewed by an advisory board to ensure we provide only the most vital information, minus the marketing gimmicks. Let’s jump in.
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Jump to Section:
- Top 5 Solar Companies in New Mexico
- NM Solar Group
- SunPower
- OE Solar
- Solar Works
Sunpro Solar - Criteria for Selecting the Top Solar Company in New Mexico
- FAQ: Best Solar Companies in New Mexico
Nationwide Service
Average cost
SunPower
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Most efficient panels on the market
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National coverage
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Cradle to Cradle sustainability certification
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Great warranty coverage
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Expensive
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Customer service varies by local dealer
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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EV Chargers
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System Monitoring
Regional Service
Average cost
Sunpro Solar
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Industry-leading warranty coverage
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Expansive service area
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Some reported communication issues
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No leases or PPAs
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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EV Chargers
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Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
Local Service
Average cost
NM Solar Group
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Offers products from leading manufacturers
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Outstanding customer service
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Makes charitable contributions
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Competitive pricing
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Slightly limited service offerings
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Relatively young company
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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Maintenance & Repairs
Regional Service
Average cost
OE Solar
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Many years of experience
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Comprehensive service offerings
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Outstanding customer service
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No leases or PPAs
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Limited brands of solar equipment available
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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EV Chargers
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Energy-Efficiency Upgrades
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Maintenance & Repairs
Local Service
Average cost
Solar Works
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Many financing options
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Locally owned and operated
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Outstanding customer service
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Representatives are experts on local policies
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Relatively young company
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Limited brands of solar equipment available
Services Offered
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Solar Panels
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Solar Batteries
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Maintenance & Repairs
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Solar Carports
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.
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.
Company | Solar Services | Warranty Coverage | BBB Rating | Year Founded |
NM Solar Group | Solar panel and battery installations; system maintenance | 25-year manufacturer and workmanship warranties | A+ | 2015 |
SunPower | Solar panel, battery and EV charger installations; system monitoring | 25-year all-inclusive warranty | A+ | 1985 |
OE Solar | Solar panel, battery and EV charger installations; system maintenance and repairs; energy-efficiency audits | 25-year manufacturer warranty | Not Rated | 2009 |
Solar Works | Solar panel and battery installations; solar carports; system maintenance | 25-year manufacturer warranty | A+ | 2015 |
Sunpro | Solar panel, battery and EV charger installations; energy-efficiency upgrades | 25-year workmanship, product and performance warranties | A- | 2008 |
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 $20 donation to GivePower for every solar installation
Cons for NM Solar Group
Every company has areas of improvement. Here are a few downsides to going with NM Solar Group:
- Services are limited to solar panels, energy storage and maintenance (no efficiency upgrades, EV chargers or other additional services)
- Hasn’t been in business as long as top competitors
- Few customer reviews online
Facts and Figures: NM Solar Group
BBB Rating | A+ |
Year Founded | 2015 |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) | $$ |
Solar Services | Solar panel and battery installations; system maintenance |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered | SunPower, Tesla, SolarEdge |
Financing Options | Cash payments, solar loans via financing partners |
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)
Facts and Figures: SunPower
BBB Rating | A+ |
Year Founded | 1985 |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) | $$$$ |
Solar Services | Solar panel, battery and EV charger installations; system monitoring |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered | SunPower/Maxeon |
Financing Options | Cash payments, loans, leases, PPAs |
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
Facts and Figures: OE Solar
BBB Rating | Not Rated |
Year Founded | 2009 |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) | $$$ |
Solar Services | Solar panel, battery and EV charger installations; system maintenance and repairs; energy-efficiency audits |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered | Panasonic, Tesla, Generac |
Financing Options | Cash payments, loans |
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 ($0-down loans, leases)
- Prompt and responsive local customer service
- Local knowledge, priority to New Mexico homeowners
Cons for Solar Works
While we think you’ll likely be satisfied installing solar panels with Solar Works, we think the company has a few areas that could use improvement.
- Like with OE Solar, we’d like to see Solar Works offer a few more equipment brands to choose from
- Relatively young company
- Not many customer reviews online
Facts and Figures: Solar Works
BBB Rating | A+ |
Year Founded | 2015 |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) | $$$ |
Solar Services | Solar panel and battery installations; solar carports; system maintenance |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered | Panasonic, Sonnen |
Financing Options | Cash payments, loans, leases |
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
Facts and Figures: Sunpro Solar
BBB Rating | A- |
Year Founded | 2008 |
Average Cost ($-$$$$$) | $$$ |
Solar Services | Solar panel, battery and EV charger installations; energy-efficiency upgrades |
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered | LG, Enphase, Tesla, Outback Power Systems, Mission Solar Energy |
Financing Options | Cash payments, loans |
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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EcoWatch 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.
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 for New Mexico residents.
NM Solar Group offers excellent technology and a wide product portfolio, including SunPower products. It’s a more affordable option compared to national companies, has excellent reviews, and shows that it’s dedicated to the greater good by making donations to GivePower for every solar installation.
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. Durability is great to have 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 solar provider is going to 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.
Not necessarily. National solar companies may have better brand recognition and product offerings, but local businesses are going to be a lot more helpful to New Mexico homeowners when it comes to navigating local tax exemptions and other solar incentives specific to New Mexico.
As mentioned above, we have excluded some companies from our New Mexico rankings, including a few of the more popular ones. 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.