2025 Solar Incentives Guide for Rio Rancho, NM - Tax Credits & Rebates
In this guide, we'll cover the latest solar incentives and rebates available in Rio Rancho.
You'll learn about:
- Local & State Solar Incentives
- Federal Tax Credits (Updated for 2024 and beyond)
- Ways to optimize your solar investment
Solar installers are experts in maximizing your solar tax credits and rebates.
Get a free quote from one of our trusted Rio Rancho solar installers to see how much you can save.
Please enter a valid 5-digit zip code!
Why you can trust EcoWatch
What Solar Tax Credits, Incentives, and Rebates are Available in Rio Rancho?
Property Tax Exemption for Residential Solar Systems
Solar Energy Gross Receipts Tax Deduction
Geothermal Heat Pump Tax Credit (Personal)
Geothermal Heat Pump Tax Credit (Corporate)
PNM - Performance-Based Solar Program
Local Option - Renewable Energy Financing District/Solar Energy Improvement Special Assessments
Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit
Source: https://www.dsireusa.org/
The phrase "solar incentives" includes a range of financial incentives put in place to make installing and using solar panels more affordable. This is done to encourage people to switch to renewable energy. Various types of incentives, such as discounts, cash back or credit towards your monthly utility bill, might be available to you. Some incentives may be offered by the state of New Mexico, by your utility company or by county or municipality, while others are federal. Types of solar incentives might include:
- Rebates: A solar rebate is a partial refund given after you've purchased your solar system. Rebates could be offered by your local utility company, your state or your county. The rebates are usually applied before calculating tax credits.
- Net Metering: Net metering is an incentive you can get once your solar system is up and running. If you have a net metering agreement in place with your Rio Rancho utility company, they will subtract the value of the excess energy produced by your solar system from your monthly utility bill. In some locations, this credit is dollar-for-dollar, while in others you may receive a refund equivalent to a percentage of the value.
- Tax Credits: Tax credits are dollar-for-dollar reductions that lower the amount of income tax you owe the government. (This is different from a tax deduction.)
- Tax Exemptions: Your solar system might qualify for exemptions on both sales and property tax. Sales tax exemptions come into effect at the time of purchase. Property tax exemptions let you ignore the added value of the solar panels when you are calculating property taxes on your house.
Federal Solar Incentives
When someone says "solar incentives," you probably think of federal incentives first. The Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit, or ITC, is the best-known federal solar incentive. The ITC provides you with a tax credit for a set percentage of the cost of your solar system.
The ITC applies to solar panels installed on your primary or secondary residence in the United States. The solar panels have to have been installed after January 1, 2006, on a property you own for you to claim the credit. The ITC initially covered 30% of all system costs (panels, equipment, accessories and labor), although the amount has fluctuated over the last few years between 26-30%. The amount you qualify for will depend on when your solar system was installed. There is no cap on the amount you can claim.
To understand exactly how much the ITC could save you, speak with your local Rio Rancho solar panel installer.
The ITC was both renewed and expanded by the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act in August 2022. It's also now called the Clean Energy Credit. The Clean Energy Credit is valid until 2035. Solar installation projects started after January 1, 2022, and completed by the end of 2032 may qualify for a 30% tax credit. This amount will decrease slightly each year until the end of the current program. The expansion to the program also makes it easier to get credit for energy storage systems, starting in 2023.
More information about the new Inflation Reduction Act can be found here. The easiest way to learn more about how the new Clean Energy Credit might apply to you is to speak with your local Rio Rancho solar panel installation expert directly.
State & Local Solar Incentives
Tax credits, rebates and more can be claimed at multiple levels. In addition to federal solar incentives, there are often state and local ones as well. These incentives might be provided by the New Mexico government, or by your county or municipality. Some are ongoing, while others are available for a limited time.
Next Steps for Installing Solar in Rio Rancho
Nationwide solar energy use has gone up significantly in the past 15 years, in part due to the growth in the number of solar incentives. You can obtain these incentives from your local utility company, the New Mexico government or the federal government. When you're ready to make the switch to solar energy, talking to your local Rio Rancho solar panel installation expert is a great first step.
EcoWatch's Rio Rancho, NM Solar Incentives FAQs
How can I find out if I qualify for specific solar incentives?
It's best to speak with your local Rio Rancho solar installer for a better understanding of which incentives your project may qualify for. Generally, solar incentives apply to new solar panel systems installed on property you own (in the U.S.) between the dates specified by the incentive. Some incentives, like those provided at the level of the New Mexico government, may have additional requirements.
How much can I save annually on my electric bill if I install solar panels on my house in Rio Rancho?
Generally, Rio Rancho homeowners who install solar panels save about $1,315.90 per year, or about $25,002.13 over 20 years after making the switch.
Who installs solar panel systems near me?
To find a top-rated solar panel installer, check out our guide to Rio Rancho's best solar panel companies.
Can I use multiple types of renewable energy to power my home?
Yes, you can utilize multiple types of renewable energy to power your home — for example, a combination of geothermal and solar. You can also use both renewable energy sources and a backup source of non-renewable energy. Make sure that you discuss the details of your plan with your local Rio Rancho solar panel installer, to make sure you know what you'll need and what incentives you may or may not qualify for.
What if I add solar panels to a rental property, vacation home or commercial property? Will I still qualify for incentives?
Many solar incentives are intended to apply to a property you own that is located within the United States, and most secondary residences fall into this category. There may be other solar incentives available for commercial properties, depending on the details. We recommend reaching out to your local solar installer and/or tax professional to fully understand what incentives apply to your specific situation.
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.