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Best Solar Companies in New Mexico

We compared 48 brands and chose the top solar energy companies

    • Top overall
      Sunrun
      4.3(2,955)
    • DIY projects
      ShopSolar
      4.7(156)

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      Best Solar Companies in New Mexico

      Solar panels are a big investment, typically $10,000 to $30,000. We’re here to help you compare your options and get the best deal in the Land of Enchantment.

      The ConsumerAffairs Research Team compared popular solar companies on ratings and reviews, equipment options, warranties, availability and other factors to select the top picks for this guide. 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.
      • 4,532,953 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.

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      The best solar companies, reviewed

      Read our full methodology for all the details on how we make recommendations.

      Our editor’s top picks

      1. Best for solar leases: Sunrun
      2. Best for DIY and off-grid systems: ShopSolar
      Our pick for solar leases

      Sunrun

      4.3
      2,955 reviews
      Max. panel efficiency
      22%
      Payment options
      Cash, loan, lease
      Year founded
      2007

      Sunrun is a leading full-service installer with battery storage options. It offers personalized residential solar panel system design throughout New Mexico. Reps starts by looking at your past electricity bills to estimate your energy needs. Then they use a specialized computer tool to create the optimal solar system design for your roof.

      We really like that Sunrun’s solar lease program lets you go solar without a huge upfront investment. There’s no initial charge for any solar equipment, installation or permits. Sunrun owns the system, and you pay a fixed monthly fee to use it. Sunrun also stands out by offering roof leak warranties.

      • “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

      Sunrun customers are generally satisfied, but some New Mexico residents have issues getting promised rebates and incentives. For example, Jayson in Albuquerque, New Mexico, expected to get a $1,000 gift card but only got $350. Another customer, Michael in Albuquerque, New Mexico, 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 pioneered solar-as-a-service models, making clean energy adoption accessible to homeowners through flexible purchase, leasing and payment plans without large upfront costs. Its Brightbox battery storage system works with both Tesla Powerwall and LG Chem lithium-ion batteries.

      • Accessible financing
      • 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. It also 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 in New Mexico:

      • 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

      ShopSolar

      4.7
      156 reviews
      Buyer's Choice Award Winner
      Max. panel efficiency
      Varies
      Payment options
      Cash, loan
      Year founded
      2018
      1x Award Winner
      Selected for having one of the highest satisfaction rates for Best Customer Service

      ShopSolar is an awesome place to buy solar equipment for do-it-yourself projects. You can find new and used solar panels, storage batteries, inverters, charge controllers, cabling and hardware, mounts and racks — everything 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

      ShopSolar gets overall positive feedback on customer service — but not from Tiffany in Ramah.
      “It's an awesome system,” she told us, “But their customer service wasn't what I expected for what we purchased.” She spent three to six months trying to resolve an issue with the system’s inverter before figuring it out on her own.

      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 custom solar kits and other equipment, 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.

      • New and used solar panels
      • Solar generator bundles
      • Batteries, inverters, mounts and racks
      • Additional hardware and accessories

      ShopSolar is an authorized distributor of all the brands it sells, so all solar equipment is covered by the individual manufacturers’ warranties. If you run into a warranty issue, reps can help you contact the equipment manufacturer.

      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. Rates range from 0% to 36% APR.

      Pros

      • Wide selection for off-grid and DIY projects
      • Price-match guarantee
      • 30-day return policy
      • Lifetime customer support

      Cons

      • Shipping and delivery restrictions or delays
      • Occasional issues with defective or damaged products

      New Mexico solar panel buyers guide

      We’ve heard from more than 100,000 verified solar customers since 2018. A couple of things we know for sure: People like powering their homes with a reliable source of cheap, clean energy. People don’t like getting into solar contracts that don’t meet their expectations

      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

      • In New Mexico, a typical 6-kilowatt residential solar panel system is $18,780 before any financial incentives. That price drops to $13,146 after considering the full federal solar investment tax credit.
      • The federal New Mexico investment tax credit (ITC) is the most significant financial incentive for buying solar panels in Nevada. You can also lease a system with little upfront cost, but you aren't eligible for the ITC.
      • Many solar customers are happy with the service, installation and cost savings. Others felt misled by pushy sales tactics and ended up with monthly bills higher than expected.

      What to look for in a solar company in New Mexico

      To find a reliable solar company in New Mexico, start by checking if the company holds a valid contractor’s license. New Mexico does have licensing requirements for solar contractors, and the state’s Regulation and Licensing Department (RLD) maintains a searchable database of licensed contractors.

      Solar panel installations in New Mexico require licensed electrical or plumbing contractors. To perform the work, the company must have an appropriately licensed expert (master electrician or plumber) and qualified journeyman-level technicians within the relevant trade.

      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. In our experience, the best solar energy companies have a few things in common:

      • Good reputation: Don’t blindly trust what a sales rep tells you. Look at reviews on platforms like the ConsumerAffairs, Better Business Bureau and solar-specific forums to see real customer experiences. Look out for recurring complaints: equipment failures, misleading sales tactics and billing issues are major red flags.
      • Local experience: Companies with extensive experience installing solar panels in New Mexico are better at navigating regional incentive programs, permit processes, utility policies and designing systems to maximize energy production given the state’s climate and weather patterns.
      • Free consultation: Get multiple quotes from different solar companies to compare prices and services. Be cautious of companies that provide significantly lower quotes than others — this may indicate lower quality.
      • Complete services: The best solar companies provide end-to-end services, from system design and engineering to permitting, installation, inspection, monitoring and maintenance. Also consider if you want a solar storage battery, electric vehicle (EV) charger or critter guard.
      • Transparent terms: The contract should be easy to understand. If anything about payment schedules, warranties, monitoring services or system maintenance doesn’t make sense — ask for clarification. Warranties and productivity guarantees provide peace of mind once your system is up and running.
      • Industry credentials: Legitimate solar companies have proper licensing, insurance and NABCEP certification for installers. Bonding is also important as it protects you if the contractor fails to meet certain financial obligations, like paying for permits or subcontractors.

      » TIPS: Get the best solar quotes

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

      New Mexico solar panel costs typically range between $10,955 to $31,300. 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.

      Most installers set the price according to the system's wattage, with a typical cost between $2.50 and $5 per watt. In New Mexico, the cost per watt is $3.13.

      Average solar panel cost by system size in New Mexico

      This doesn’t include the cost of a solar storage battery — which sometimes costs as much as the panels. Solar batteries are a must if you want real energy independence and essential if you go off-grid. Permitting, utility fees and maintenance also add to the cost of going solar.

      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.

      New Mexico also has legalized power purchase agreements (unlike many other states). PPAs work very similarly to leases. This 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

      The federal solar investment tax credit (ITC) is 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.

      Don’t get confused: ITC is not a rebate or a refund. It is a credit that goes toward what you owe on federal income taxes. It can only offset the taxes you owe. No one is going to mail you a check.

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

      For example, if you spend $10,000 installing a solar panel system, then ITC is worth $3,000. If in the year your system becomes operational, you owe $15,000 in taxes, then ITC reduces what you owe to $12,000. It only offsets your tax liability; you can't take advantage of the ITC if you don’t owe taxes in the first place. However, the credit rolls over to future tax years if you don’t use the full amount.

      Residents may take advantage of more solar incentives in New Mexico, like a tax break on property taxes for those adding solar improvements to their homes. There’s also a statewide net metering, which compensates eligible residents for electricity they send to their local power grid.

      Are solar panels worth it in New Mexico?

      For a lot of homeowners, solar panels end up being worth it in New Mexico for the long term savings on energy bills. One resident, Benjamin in Albuquerque, New Mexico, appreciates the steady monthly payments. He told us the process took eight months, but since the panels were turned on, everything has been smooth.

      Mary in Albuquerque, New Mexico, also recommends others consider solar. “It saves money. It's good for the environment. It's totally worth it,” she told us. However, Mary mentioned it was complicated to transfer the lease when she sold her house. She suspects it had more to do with the realtor than the solar company. “Also, 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.

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

      Your current electric bill is the starting point for assessing the financial benefits of transitioning to solar. Getting a loan to pay for solar panel installation makes sense as long as your loan payment is cheaper than what you’d be paying for electricity anyway. Then, once the loan is paid off, you essentially get free electricity. Over 25 years, New Mexico homeowners with solar panels can avoid about $68,335 in total utility power costs.

      If electricity rates continue to go up, your net savings will add up even more over the lifetime of the solar panel system. Your savings with solar depend on how much electricity your system can produce and the cost of electricity in your area. On average, it takes solar panels approximately 6 years to pay for themselves in New Mexico.

      » STILL NOT SURE? Solar energy pros and cons

      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. 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.

      The condition of your roof matters too — if it needs replacement soon, do that before going solar panels. 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.

      What are the different kinds of solar inverters?

      Solar inverters come in two main types: string inverters and microinverters. String inverters connect various panels and route the electricity to a point where it is converted to current that your home can use. Microinverters are small inverters that are added to each panel. They are better at avoiding power capacity loss than string inverters.

      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.

      How many solar companies are in New Mexico?

      As of publishing, there are 83 solar companies in New Mexico, including 17 manufacturers and 44 installers or developers, according to the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

      What is the difference between a solar installer and a solar broker?

      A broker can be helpful if you value convenience. If you want more control and potentially lower costs, it's best to work directly with a solar installer.

      • Broker: A solar broker is a middleman or intermediary who helps connect homeowners with solar installation companies. It typically has relationships with various installers and can help you compare options. Often, people selling solar panels door-to-door work for solar brokers.
      • Installer: A solar installer specializes in the design, procurement and installation of solar panels and related components. It typically has its own team of trained technicians who handle the installation process.
      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 lower rate 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 product and services. We compared companies on both equipment and craftsmanship warranties terms. All of our top picks 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 are:

      1. Best for solar leases: Sunrun
      2. Best for DIY and off-grid systems: 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.

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