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New Mexico is second only to Arizona in the number of sunny days it sees per year. It’s one of the best parts of the country for investing in solar energy thanks to its climate and the solar incentives.
We read websites, warranties, and customer reviews to narrow down more than 20 providers to our list of the best solar companies nationwide. From there, we looked at the top solar companies available in New Mexico to see how they compared on price, panel performance, customer service, solar industry experience, and more.
Top Solar Installation Companies
These five solar providers ranked highest according to our research:
- Most Experienced: SunPower
- Best Comprehensive Coverage: ADT Solar
- Best for Home Builders: Sunrun Solar
- Best Aesthetic: Tesla
- Best for Solar Product Variety: Green Home Systems
Most Experienced: SunPower
SunPower is one of the most well-known solar power companies in the industry. The company has been installing solar panels since 1985, making it among the most experienced companies available today. SunPower is known for its high-efficiency panels that are roughly 0.8% more efficient than the standard range.
Best Comprehensive Coverage: ADT Solar
ADT Solar has one of the most comprehensive warranties on the market for those who are concerned about system protection. The provider offers a 25-year warranty that includes both equipment and workmanship, plus a 25-year power production guarantee that promises a certain level of performance from your system.
Best for Home Builders: Sunrun Solar
Those building a home may want to consider Sunrun due to the perks it offers during construction. This provider works with roofing contractors to get your system installed properly. It also handles all the paperwork involved in code compliance, permitting, and utility connection through its BuilderChoice New Homes Program. Sunrun offers multiple solar financing options, so you can pick which works best for your situation.
Best Aesthetic: Tesla
You know Tesla’s sleek style on the road, and you can get the same innovation and aesthetic appeal on your roof. Tesla offers both solar panels and solar shingles. Whereas conventional panels are raised and visible, the Tesla solar roof’s shingles lay flush against the roof so you can get the benefits of clean energy without the look of large panels.
Best for Solar Product Variety: Green Home Systems
Green Home Systems is another solar company available in New Mexicos that helps you harness renewable energy without the raised look of solar panels. In addition to its catalog of high-quality panels from LONGi, LG Solar, and Panasonic, Green Home Systems offers sleek solar roofing options that blend into your home’s aesthetic. The CertainTeed Apollo II and Apollo Tile II systems are designed to provide solar power to your home and protect your roof like traditional tiles.
Solar Installation Cost Factors in New Mexico
The cost of solar panels in New Mexico is around $3.28 per watt, according to EnergySage. The average total cost for a solar panel system in the state is $16,400. The main factors that can impact solar panel cost include the following:
- Company: Companies charge different prices based on the products and services they provide. Whether they handle manufacturing and installation in-house or subcontract to a third party can fluctuate pricing.
- Energy efficiency: All solar panels are made with energy efficiency in mind, but panels that are designed to be high-quality and more efficient than average will cost extra.
- Location: Your state and even city play a role in pricing. The cost of installation may vary in Albuquerque versus Santa Fe.
- Panel type: Homeowners can choose between monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film panels. Monocrystalline panels are recommended for residential solar panel systems because they’re the most efficient. However, they’re the most expensive.
- Roof pitch: You’ll be charged more for labor if your roof presents more difficulty or danger for installers.
- System size: The bigger your solar energy system, the higher the cost.
Solar Tax Incentives in New Mexico
New Mexico is often called the Land of Enchantment. Given the number of solar incentives and rebates the state offers, that nickname holds true for homeowners who want to install a solar system.
Here are a few of the top solar incentives New Mexico residents can get:
- Federal solar tax credit: All U.S. property owners who own their solar system either through purchasing it up-front or through a solar loan qualify for the federal tax credit. This credit allows you to claim 30% of your total system cost on your federal taxes the year it’s installed. Financing your system through a solar lease or PPA disqualifies you from this credit.
- Net-metering: New Mexico is among the states that allow net-metering, a program in which you can sell any excess energy your system generates to local utility companies for money back.
- Property tax exemption: This exemption means you won’t have to pay property tax on the added value that installing solar gives your home.
- Sustainable building tax credit: You can earn as much as a $6.50 per square foot tax credit for getting your home certified as sustainable through the U.S. Green Building Council. This tax credit is part of New Mexico’s push to become a more sustainable state, starting with its building practices.
- State tax credit: This incentive can reduce your state tax payments by up to $6,000 or 10% off your total solar energy expenses, whichever is lower. The credit applies to residential, commercial, and agricultural installations.
Getting Solar Quotes in New Mexico
When you’re ready to start shopping around with solar providers, it’s easy to get a free quote.
- Each provider’s site likely has a “Get a Quote” button or similar option at the top or bottom of the homepage.
- Fill out the required fields, which typically include basic contact information and details on your roof and home size.
- You’ll get your solar quote on the site or by email within a few minutes.
You can call the company if you prefer to talk to a representative.
What to Ask Solar Providers
We recommend asking solar panel companies these questions before deciding on one:
- How long have you worked in solar?
- How many systems have you installed? May I see photos?
- Are you NABCEP-certified, licensed, bonded, and insured?
- What is your business license number?
- Can you share a few customer references?
- Have you worked with my local utility company?
- Does your team do all the work, or do you use subcontractors? How do you quality-check the work your subcontractors perform?
- Who do I contact if I have a question or issue? What are turnaround times like to resolve issues?
In addition to questions about the installer, we suggest asking these questions about their solar equipment:
- What are the benefits and drawbacks of this equipment?
- Is this what you have/would put on your home or business?
- What warranty protection is offered for each piece of equipment?
- What do customers complain about with this equipment?
Solar Services
Most solar providers offer some or all of these services:
- Consultation: All companies should offer an initial consultation to discuss your home’s energy needs and whether your property is a good fit for solar. This can often be done virtually or in person.
- Design: Providers have in-house design teams to create the best solar panel layout for your roof. You’ll approve this design before installation moves forward.
- Installation: Not all companies use an in-house installation team. Some use third-party companies. Some companies only install panels, while others also install batteries, electric vehicle chargers, and other equipment.
- Maintenance and cleaning: Many warranties include some sort of maintenance plan through your provider for a period of time. Check to see if a company provides any maintenance or cleaning services after installation.
- System monitoring: If a company has a mobile app, it likely includes some degree of system monitoring. If not, or if you don’t want to monitor your system yourself, check if a provider offers system monitoring to track your panels’ performance.
- Additional services: Some companies partner with third parties to handle services that help your installation run smoothly. Roof repair and pest control are common additional services because installing panels on a damaged or infested roof isn’t recommended.
Our Recommendation
While we consider all these companies to be reputable, the right one for you depends on your priority for solar installation. If you’re looking for years of experience, we recommend SunPower. ADT Solar may be a good fit if you prefer warranty coverage.
Before making a decision, it’s important to look over each provider’s website and warranty to compare offerings, products, and coverage. We recommend reading customer reviews, getting at least three quotes from different companies, and speaking with a representative about any questions you have.
Read our solar panel cost guide for a more detailed cost breakdown.
What Solar Installation Looks Like
Most solar installations follow a similar process after the design is approved:
- Site evaluation: An installer will visit your home to confirm the planned design and estimate the scope of work. This person or their team will also inspect your roof, attic, and electrical setup.
- Permit approval: Most states require a permit to install solar panels. Your solar provider should handle the paperwork with your local municipality.
- Installation: Installation typically takes one to three days. You don’t need to be home for it, but we recommend you are so you can ask questions along the way.
- Cleanup: Installers should remove any debris and leave your property in good condition.
- City inspection: Your provider should coordinate with your city to have an inspector come out to check that your system is up to code.
- Utility connection: Your system must be connected to your local utility system if you’re connecting it to the grid. You’ll apply for connection through your utility company (some providers do this for you). Your utility company will also inspect your system to ensure it’s in accordance with its utility guidelines. After getting permission to operate, your system can be turned on.
Solar Companies FAQ
Who is the most reliable solar company?
According to our research, SunPower and ADT Solar rank highest based on years of solar experience, positive customer reviews, and panel performance.
Are solar panels worth it in New Mexico?
Yes, solar panels are worth it in New Mexico. The state is second in the country for sunny days per year, so your panels will have no trouble with energy production. Plus, New Mexico has several solar incentives to help you save money when going solar.
Who is the best company to install solar panels?
We recommend SunPower, ADT Solar, Sunrun, Tesla, and Green Home Systems for New Mexico residents.
What is the average cost of solar panels in New Mexico?
The average cost of solar panels in New Mexico is $16,400. This is at the lower end of the national average.
How We Chose the Top Solar Companies
We researched and analyzed dozens of solar panels and solar installation companies. We then formulated a rating system based on each solar installer or manufacturer’s services and products. We weighed several significant factors, including the quality and type of solar panels offered, the customer support network, warranty lengths and limitations, and additional benefits such as mobile apps for monitoring and customer service.
Speaking directly to representatives, we determined how each solar company personalizes its solar panel installation for each home. We also analyzed each company’s warranty options to ensure their product and performance guarantees match or exceed industry standards.
We evaluated each provider based on their rating and history with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) to determine reputation. In addition, we analyzed the 100 most recent Google Reviews for each provider across various locations and branches.