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Best Solar Companies in New Mexico

We compared 57 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunrun
      4.2(3,062)
    • Long-term savings
      Green Home Systems
      3.0(54)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(159)
    Author picture
    By: Kathryn Parkman
    +1 more
    Author picture
    Edited by: Justin Martino

    Best Solar Companies in New Mexico

    Top Picks

    See who reviewers like

    Sunrun logo
    Green Home Systems logo
    ShopSolar logo
    See our top picks

    Simplify your search

    Switch to solar with a system built for you.

      If you’re ready to go solar in New Mexico but aren’t sure where to start, you’re not alone. We’re here to help you compare your options and get the best deal.

      Our top solar company picks

      To select the top picks for this guide, the ConsumerAffairs research team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors. Our picks may be Authorized Partners that compensate us — this does not affect our evaluations but may impact the order in which companies appear. Read our full methodology for all the details on how we make solar company recommendations.

      Why trust ConsumerAffairs?
      • Our recommendations are based on what reviewers say.
      • 4,593,571 reviews on ConsumerAffairs are verified.
      • We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real.
      • We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews.
      • Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness.

      The best solar companies, reviewed

      Our top pick overall
      Sunrun
      Sunrun
      4.2
      3,062 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Workmanship warranty
      10 years
      Year founded
      2007
      Get Started Read Reviews

      Sunrun offers personalized residential solar panel system design throughout New Mexico. Happy reviewers highlight the company’s professional installation services and customer support. We also like that Sunrun’s solar lease program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment.

      •  “I am very happy I have solar. I tell others that Sunrun is a good company to deal with. It has really cut down on my electric bills. Sunrun is really an easy company to deal with. If I have a problem they handle it easily and rapidly. The website is very easy to log on and maneuver through.” — Bonita in Rio Rancho
      • “We have been with Sunrun since October and it has been going well. We haven't had any issues and there has been a difference of around $200 in our electricity bill. Sunrun did a nice job and I recommended them to my friends.” — Arthur in Albuquerque
      • “The person that we worked with was wonderful and really followed through on everything she said she would follow through on, and it made it very easy to do. The installation went really well. They were there when they said they were gonna be there. There were no surprises and they got everything done well the first time. They also fixed a couple of tiles that broke during installation.” — Julie in Rio Rancho

      Some New Mexico residents have issues getting promised rebates and incentives. For example, Jayson in Albuquerque expected to get a $1,000 gift card but only got $350. Another customer, Michael in Albuquerque, said that it’s difficult to directly contact the service department after installations are complete.

      Sunrun is a leading residential solar, battery storage and energy services provider in the United States. The company starts by looking at your past electricity bills to estimate your energy needs, and then reps use a specialized computer tool to create the optimal solar system design for your roof.

      Sunrun services

      • Financing solutions
      • Battery storage solutions
      • Monitoring and maintenance
      • EV charging solutions

      Sunrun has warranty coverage, system maintenance and a performance guarantee. The warranty covers workmanship and equipment for 10 years. The performance guarantee lasts 25 years. Leased systems typically come with free maintenance and repairs. Sunrun also stands out by offering roof leak warranties, and it has a 95% system performance guarantee.

      You can also pay for your system upfront or take out a loan, but Sunrun’s leasing plans are what really sets it apart from other solar options. There’s no initial charge for any solar equipment, installation or permit. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it.

      • Monthly plan: You can lease Sunrun panels for $0 or little down. Then you pay a fixed monthly payment for the term of your leasing contract, typically 25 years.
      • Full amount lease: You can prepay for up to 25 years of solar energy.

      Pros

      • Long time in business
      • Flexible payment options
      • Comprehensive warranties
      • Daily system monitoring

      Cons

      • Some communication issues
      • Limited price transparency
      Our pick for long-term savings
      Green Home Systems
      Green Home Systems
      3.0
      54 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      20%
      Workmanship warranty
      25 years
      Year founded
      2017
      Read Reviews

      Green Home Systems is a good option for New Mexico homeowners who want a smooth transition to clean energy. Happy customers often tell us about reliable system performance and like seeing savings on energy bills.

      • “I sent an email that I was interested in a solar system and they got back to me right away. Getting things started was pretty quick. Things got passed around a little bit and it took a little while for everything to get lined up but once it did, it was good. I was very happy with Green Home Systems, what they did, and the follow-up that they had. Also, I love my solar system. It's working great and I'm very happy with it.” — Kenneth in Clayton

      The equipment and installation get positive feedback, but there have also been issues with communication, delays and unexpected additional costs.

      Green Home Systems sources solar panels from Panasonic, Qcells, LONGi, Mission and URE. Batteries come from Enphase, Tigo, SolarEdge, FranklinWH or LGchem Battery; inverters are made by Enphase, SolarEdge, Tigo or Solis. You can also get Generac backup generators, IronRidge racking systems and Span Smart electrical panels.

      Green Home Systems services

      • Residential solar installations
      • Commercial solar installations
      • Energy monitoring
      • Financing solutions

      Green Home Systems provides a 25-year warranty on solar panels and inverters. Batteries come with a 10-year warranty.

      • Cash: You can pay for your solar power system upfront, which gives you potentially better long-term savings on electricity costs.
      • Loan: You can finance through a solar loan with APR starting as low as 0.99% (on approved credit).

      Pros

      • Financing available
      • Energy storage options
      • 25-year guarantee

      Cons

      • Some battery backup issues
      • Occasional installation delays
      2024 Buyers Choice Award Winner
      ShopSolar
      ShopSolar
      4.7
      159 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Workmanship warranty
      Varies
      Year founded
      2018
      Read Reviews

      ShopSolar is an awesome place to buy solar equipment for do-it-yourself projects. You can find new and used solar panels and just about everything else needed for an off-grid or hybrid setup for homes, RVs and outbuildings.

      • “Signing up with ShopSolarKits was very pleasant. Their reps were professional and courteous. They helped me when one of my panels was broken… Other than that, I've been working with them and talking to their technicians, and everything's been really good. They go out of their way to try to help you and to resolve the issues.” — J. in Clovis

      • “We went with ShopSolarKits based on affordability. They were the lowest cost that we could find and it was a good deal. When I first reached out to them, they were really nice, helpful, and friendly…” — Tiffany in Ramah

      While Tiffany in Ramah liked the system itself and praised its quality, she was disappointed by the lack of effective and timely customer support after the purchase.

      The important thing to keep in mind is that ShopSolar doesn’t offer professional installation services. It’s best to know a little about solar panels and electrical work, or you might get frustrated with the process or install something incorrectly.

      » DIY SOLAR PANELS: Pros and cons

      ShopSolar is an online retailer that sells solar panels and other equipment, such as generators, batteries, cables and racks. You can find top-quality brands like Panasonic, REC, Renogy, Canadian Solar and EcoFlow. Orders typically arrive within 10 business days.

      ShopSolar products

      • New and used solar panels
      • Solar storage batteries
      • Inverters
      • Charge controllers
      • Cabling and hardware
      • Mounts and racks

      ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties.

      You pay for your order in full upfront through ShopSolar’s secure website. It also has financing options for as little as $0 down.

      • Online payments: ShopSolar accepts Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Discover, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Venmo, Shop Pay and Diners Club International.
      • Financing: ShopSolar partners with Affirm on financing. Customers can make payments every two weeks or once a month for up to 36 months. Annual percentage rates (APRs) range from 0% to 36%.

      Pros

      • Free shipping
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Some shipping and delivery delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      New Mexico solar panel buyers guide

      Our team has talked to thousands of solar customers across the country. Here’s what to expect and what to look out for when buying solar panels in New Mexico.

      Key insights

      A typical residential solar panel installation costs $24,571 in New Mexico.

      Jump to insight

      The federal investment tax credit (ITC) is the best financial incentive for most homeowners buying solar panels in New Mexico.

      Jump to insight

      Watch out for door-to-door solar scams that attempt to gather your personal information, false advertising and aggressive sales tactics.

      Jump to insight

      What to look for in a solar company in New Mexico

      In our experience, the best solar energy companies have a few things in common: great reviews, transparent contracts, reliable equipment and comprehensive warranties. Look for companies with plenty of experience installing solar panels in New Mexico. It makes it easier to navigate regulations, permits and available financial incentives.

      • Check certifications: Look for companies with NABCEP-certified installers. This shows you the company takes its business seriously. New Mexico solar installers also must be licensed electricians.
      • Read reviews: Research the company's track record and read reviews. Look out for red flags — complaints about misleading sales tactics, equipment failures, billing issues and lack of communication are common themes in negative solar company reviews.
      • Get quotes: Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower estimates than others — this may indicate lower quality.
      • Ask questions: Consider if you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or a monitoring system to ensure optimal output. It’s also smart to ask about critter guards in New Mexico.
      • Read the fine print: Carefully review proposals and financials, understand legal considerations, and ask about maintenance before signing an agreement with any solar company. If you don’t understand something about the payment terms, warranty or ongoing services, ask.

      Solar panels last a long time — you want to hire a well-established company that will still be around for system support for at least 25 years.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

      How much does it cost to go solar in New Mexico?

      You can also lease a system with little upfront cost, but you aren't eligible for the ITC.

      Average solar panel costs in New Mexico range from $10,955 to $31,300. This doesn’t include a solar storage battery, which sometimes costs as much as the panels.

      The size of your solar panel system is a big factor in your total cost. It also depends on what incentives you’re eligible for, the condition of your roof and how much sunlight exposure it gets. A typical New Mexico household needs a system with a capacity of 7.85 kW to offset enough energy costs to make solar viable. Depending on your household energy usage, you might need a smaller or larger system.

      Average solar installation cost by system size in New Mexico

      How can I pay for solar panel installation?

      Getting solar panels is similar to buying a car. You could pay cash, but many people finance their system through a solar loan. If you have enough savings to pay upfront, the biggest advantage of paying upfront interest charges. Leasing solar equipment is an attractive option for people who don’t want to get a loan or be responsible for maintaining a system.

      Solar panels are designed to last 25 to 30 years.

      New Mexico also has legalized power purchase agreements (unlike many other states). PPAs work very similarly to leases. The biggest downside to both is that you’ll be disqualified from many of the best financial incentives, like the 30% federal solar tax credit. It also might make your house harder to sell, since a new buyer will have to take over the lease agreement.

      » SOLAR PANELS: Lease vs. buy

      Solar incentives in New Mexico

      Residents may take advantage of several solar incentives in New Mexico. There’s also a statewide net metering, which compensates eligible residents for electricity they send to their local power grid.

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is still the biggest factor in reducing the cost of going solar in New Mexico. ITC credits 30% of the system’s total cost — including equipment, labor and permits — toward what you owe on federal income taxes.

      The ITC drops to 26% in 2033 and then 22% in 2034.

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, the ITC is worth $3,000. If you owe $15,000 in taxes, the ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000. You don’t get these benefits automatically, though. You have to claim your solar equipment, labor and permits on your federal taxes for the same year you started using your system on Form 5695.

      Are solar panels worth it in New Mexico?

      For a lot of homeowners, solar is worth it in New Mexico for the long term savings on energy bills. On average, homeowners can avoid $68,335 in total utility costs over 25 years.

      One resident, Benjamin in Albuquerque, appreciates the steady monthly payments. Similarly, Mary in Albuquerque recommends solar: “It saves money. It's good for the environment. It's totally worth it,” she told us.

      Homeowners with solar panels typically save $20,000 to $90,000 over 25 years.

      However, Mary mentioned it might make your house harder to sell: “In New Mexico, they're not big solar people, so, it was very hard to get any buyers to understand the value of it. So there needs to be a lot more consumer education in places like that. If anything, it was a negative for potential buyers,” she told us.

      Your current electric bill is the starting point for assessing your potential savings with solar. The return on investment of a solar panel installation also depends on the efficiency and size of your system. Assuming an upfront purchase, it takes about 6 years to break even (when your savings with solar panels make up for the cost).

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      It saves money. It's good for the environment. It's totally worth it. ”
      — Mary in Albuquerque

      FAQ

      How do I know if my house is a good candidate for solar?

      Plenty of unshaded roof space that faces south or west is best for optimal sun exposure. Solar photovoltaic (PV) technologies, more commonly known as solar panels, absorb sunlight and convert it into usable electricity. If you have a lot of shading around your house, they might not get enough sun to power your home.

      It’s also smart to upgrade any old, inefficient appliances first. Reducing your electrical loads now means you can get a smaller system, which will be cheaper.

      Use NREL’s PVWatts Calculator to estimate how much electricity a solar panel can produce over a year on your house — just type in your address. Project Sunroof is a free solar savings estimator powered by Google Earth imagery.

      Should I replace my roof before installing solar panels?

      As a rule of thumb, if your roof is more than 10 years old, consider fixing it before going solar. Installing solar panels on an old roof might mean you have to remove the panels, replace your roof and then reinstall the panels. This will cost around $5,000 for a 19-panel setup.

      » SHOULD YOU: Replace your roof before going solar?

      Can I get free solar panels in New Mexico?

      We are not aware of any legitimate programs for free solar panels in New Mexico. However, you can lease a solar energy system with little to no upfront costs. Just look out for scams that promise free solar panels — they can end up costing you quite a bit of money.

      » FREE SOLAR PANELS: Are they really free?

      Do I really need a solar battery?

      A solar battery system protects against fluctuating energy costs and policy changes while maximizing the benefits of your solar panels. As regulations change, batteries can insulate you from unfavorable policies and offer opportunities for future financial benefits, like participating in demand response programs or selling stored energy to the local grid. Solar batteries are also a must if you want real energy independence and essential if you go off-grid.

      What is the difference between a solar lease and a PPA?

      If you lease a solar system or enter a PPA, you don't own the panels, but you benefit from the cheap electricity they produce. The solar company that owns the system is responsible for maintaining it, so you don't have to worry about ongoing maintenance costs. The key difference is how you pay.

      • Lease: Entering a solar lease is basically renting a solar panel system. As with leasing a car, you pay a fixed amount every month over a set period of time, typically 25 years.
      • Power purchase agreement: With a PPA, you don't pay a fixed monthly price. You pay for the electricity the panels produce, usually at a fixed rate that’s lower than you would receive without a PPA.

      Methodology

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team objectively evaluates solar providers to highlight those best equipped to meet most homeowners' needs. To choose our top picks for this guide, we started with a list of popular providers. First, we narrowed it down to the ones available in New Mexico. We then weighted several key features to get our final rankings:

      Reviews, ratings and testimonials: 40%

      We analyzed solar company reviews by verified solar customers to gauge real-world satisfaction. Companies with the most positive recent ratings left by local reviewers on our site were given preference.

      Equipment selection: 20%

      We evaluated each company’s selection of solar panels, storage batteries and inverters. Those with proprietary technology or a wide equipment selection from trusted brands ranked highest.

      Warranties: 20%

      A long warranty is important — it shows that a company stands behind its products and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranty terms. All of our top picks for professional installation have warranties or production guarantees of at least 10 to 25 years.

      Financing and payment options: 10%

      We gave preference to companies that offer multiple payment and financing options for transparent terms and conditions.

      Overall reputation: 10%

      We considered each company's history, mission and value. Companies with generally positive feedback on our site scored highest in this aspect.

      To recap, our top picks for the best solar companies in New Mexico:

      1. Best overall: Sunrun
      2. Best for long-term savings: Green Home Systems
      3. Best DIY equipment selection: ShopSolar

      Not sure how to choose?

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        Guide sources

        ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:

        1. DSIRE, "New Mexico Solar Programs." Accessed April 16, 2024.
        2. EnergySage, “The cost of solar panels in New Mexico.” Accessed April 16, 2024.
        3. SolarReviews, “How much do solar panels cost in New Mexico, 2024?” Accessed April 16, 2024.
        4. Solar Energy Industries Association, "New Mexico Solar." Accessed April 16, 2024.
        5. New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, "New Mexico Incentives for Customer-Owned Solar Photovoltaic Systems." Accessed April 16, 2024.
        6. Interstate Renewable Energy Council, “National Solar Licensing Database.” Accessed May 8, 2024.
        7. Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, “Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics.” Accessed Feb. 8, 2024.

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