New Mexico gets the second most sunshine of any state in the union, making it no wonder why so many outstanding solar companies have set up shop in the state. If you’re considering adopting solar power and are struggling to sift through all the great options, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. This guide takes a deep dive into the best solar companies available in New Mexico to help you make the best choice that’s affordable and meets your home’s energy needs.
4.4
Installs high-quality Maxeon panels
Outstanding customer support
Best-in-class warranty lasts 40 years
3.7
Affordable prices
Excellent selection of panels and services
Locations in 22 states
4.3
No payments needed for 18 months
Provides in-house financing
Offers top brands like LG and Trina
3.9
Highly rated customer service
Provides 24/7 panel monitoring
Solid A+ rating with the BBB
Best Solar Installation Companies in New Mexico
Compare the Best Solar Companies in New Mexico
The table below offers a sneak peek at our seven favorite solar companies in New Mexico.
Company | Our Take | BBB Rating | Warranty | In-House Installation | Cost |
NM Solar Group | Best Local Provider | A+ | 25 years for equipment and workmanship | Yes | $$ |
SunPower | Best National Provider | A+ | 25 years for equipment, workmanship, and efficiency | Sometimes | $$$$ |
OE Solar | Outstanding Regional Installer | A+ | 25 years for equipment | Yes | $$$ |
Solar Works | Outstanding Local Installer | A+ | 25 years for equipment | Yes | $$$ |
ADT Solar | Best Solar Warranty | A- | 25 years for equipment and performance | Yes | $$$ |
Positive Energy Solar | Outstanding Local Installer | A+ | 25 years for equipment and workmanship, 30 years for repairs | Yes | $$$ |
Affordable Solar | Local Solar Veteran | NA | 25 years for equipment | Yes | $$ |
NM Solar Group
4.5
Our Rating
NM Solar is a relative newcomer to the solar industry. The company was founded by Ryan Wallace in 2015 and has quickly grown since, providing outstanding custom solar installations for more than 500 New Mexico homes. The company’s service area is also growing, with offices in Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Las Cruces, Rio Rancho, Roswell, and El Paso, Texas.
NM Solar Group has extensive knowledge of the unique challenges facing solar customers in New Mexico and works with homeowners to develop tailored solar energy systems that work for them. The company is also dedicated to fostering solar adoption and donates $20 of every solar installation it performs to GivePower.
NM Solar Group is more affordable than most New Mexico solar providers, making it an attractive option if you’re on a tight budget.
The company’s warranty is one of the best we’ve seen, covering both labor and equipment for 25 years. NM Solar’s solid warranty goes a long way toward easing potential customers’ fears about choosing a young company.
Unfortunately, NM Solar Group only offers basic panels, batteries, and monitoring. The company doesn’t offer advanced products like electric vehicle (EV) chargers, energy efficiency upgrades, or solar shingles.
NM Solar customers can pay for their solar panels in cash or choose to take out a solar loan through the company’s financing partner.
NM Solar Group is an all-in-one solar provider, handling your system’s design, permitting, equipment, and installation in-house.
The company carries high-quality home solar panels from industry-leading brands like SunPower, Tesla, and SolarEdge. Energy storage is available through Tesla Powerwall batteries.
NM Solar Group donates $20 to GivePower for every installation it performs, helping to increase solar awareness and adoption.
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OE Solar
4.4
Our Rating
OE Solar is a family-owned solar company that provides end-to-end solar panel installations for residential and commercial clients throughout the southwestern United States. The company has installed over 300 photovoltaic (PV) systems amounting to more than 20 MW of clean energy. The company offers state-of-the-art solar energy systems from leading brands and knows how to handle tricky installations for homes throughout the desert southwest. The company has overwhelmingly positive reviews and is one of the best local installers available to New Mexico residents.
OE Solar charges reasonable prices that fall close to the New Mexico average. You won’t find bargain basement prices but also won’t need to take out a second mortgage to pay for the company’s service.
All of OE Solar’s equipment is backed by a 25-year manufacturer’s warranty, and protection for parts and labor is available through 5 and 10-year plans with rates that vary from product to product.
OE Solar provides solar panel installations, battery backups, EV chargers, system inspections, solar maintenance, and solar monitoring.
The company accepts cash payments and offers solar loans. PPAs and solar leases are not available.
OE Solar is a full-service solar provider and handles all its installations internally through a team of expert technicians and electricians.
OE Solar carries solar panels from several manufacturers, including Panasonic, Canadian Solar, SolarWorld, LG, and Q Cell. The company gets its inverters from SMA, SolarEdge, Enphase, and ABB. Battery backups are available from Tesla (the Powerwall) or Generac.
OE Solar is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and has partnerships with Tesla and Panasonic, among others.
Solar Works
4.3
Our Rating
Solar Works is an Albuquerque-based solar company founded in 2015. The company has established itself as one of the best New Mexico solar installers in less than a decade in business, earning Panasonic’s prestigious “Installer of the Year” award in 2021. The company’s local technicians are experts on New Mexico solar and know how to navigate local permit laws. They can also help you get the most out of the available solar incentives in New Mexico and know what equipment works best in their dry heat.
Solar Works charges reasonable prices without any nasty surprises. You can expect to pay approximately the New Mexico average if you choose to go with Solar Works.
All of Solar Works’ solar products are backed by a 25-year warranty covering equipment and repairs.
The company offers solar panel installations, battery backups, solar carports, and solar maintenance services.
Solar Works has several financing options available. Customers can choose to pay cash, take out a solar loan — with zero money down for qualified individuals — or lease solar equipment from Solar Works.
Solar Works offers $250 for every customer you refer who signs up for service with the company. The referral program is handled on the company’s website.
Solar Works handles its installations in-house, so you’ll never have third-party companies working on your system or complicating the process.
Solar Works only carries Panasonic and Sonnen equipment, leaving customers with few choices to make. Even though we’d like to see more brand options, Panasonic’s solar panels are proven to be superior to some other brands’ panels in hot weather, making them perfect for use in New Mexico.
Solar Works is certified by NABCEP and is a PanasonicSolar premium installer.
ADT Solar
4.4
Our Rating
ADT acquired Sunpro in late 2021, adding its considerable weight as a large national company behind Sunpro’s impressive infrastructure as an established solar business. As a large company, ADT Solar offers better prices than you can find from many smaller companies but also comes with all the trappings of a large business. ADT Solar’s customer service gets questionable reviews, and many customers complain about the company’s impersonal approach to solar installations.
However, ADT Solar is still one of the best solar installers in New Mexico, offering solid technology, the best solar warranty we’ve seen, and the stability and dependability you can only get from a big business.
ADT Solar’s prices are average by New Mexico’s standards.
ADT Solar’s warranty is outstanding, offering 25 years’ worth of comprehensive coverage for your entire solar system and installation and a performance generous performance guarantee.
ADT offers solar panels, energy storage solutions, EV chargers, and energy efficiency upgrades that keep your system functioning at a high level for the duration of its lifespan.
ADT Solar accepts cash and solar loans but doesn’t offer solar leases or PPAs.
The company offers $1,000 to anyone who recommends a friend or family member who signs up for service. All referrals are handled through ADT Solar’s easy-to-use mobile app.
ADT Solar conducts in-house installations, so you don’t have to worry about juggling communication with an independent installer.
ADT Solar uses top-of-the-line equipment from well-known solar manufacturers like Panasonic, LG, and Tesla.
The company is a certified Tesla installer and has professional partnerships with Buildpro Roofing Specialists and Energypro Energy Specialists. It is also certified by NABCEP, Unirac, and Enphase.
Positive Energy Solar
4.1
Our Rating
Positive Energy Solar is an employee-owned, Albuquerque-based solar business that’s celebrating 25 years of providing top-notch solar installation services to New Mexico residents in 2022. The company is owned and operated by local New Mexico residents who exude passion and knowledge for renewable energy. Twenty-five years of experience installing solar panels in New Mexico gives the company’s technicians all the skills they need to navigate the tile and metal roofing common in New Mexico.
Positive Energy Solar offers customized solar solutions to New Mexico residents in Corrales, Los Lunas, Tijeras, Edgewood, Rio Rancho, Sandia Park, and Placitas. The company also has a Santa Fe office that handles all business in northern New Mexico.
Solar Works charges reasonable prices without any nasty surprises. You can expect to pay approximately the New Mexico average if you choose to go with Solar Works.
Positive Energy Solar offers one of the best solar warranties we’ve seen from a local installer. The warranty covers workmanship and equipment for 25 years and provides 30 years of protection against electrical failures and mechanical damage from normal use.
The company offers simple rooftop solar panel installations, ground mount systems, battery backups, and EV chargers.
Customers can purchase their panels directly in cash or choose to take out a solar loan through the company’s financing partner Nusenda Credit Union. Zero money-down options are available for qualified customers.
The company is offering $500 for every customer who chooses to go solar with Positive Energy Solar, thanks to your recommendation.
Positive Energy Solar is an all-in-one solar installer, so all installations are performed by a certified in-house team.
One area where Positive Energy Solar could use some improvement is in the variety of brands it offers. Currently, the company offers REC or Q Cells panels and battery backups from Tesla and Enphase.
Positive Energy Solar has numerous local community partnerships and is certified by NABCEP. The company also partners with CNM Ingenuity’s Solar Program for solar education.
Affordable Solar
4.0
Our Rating
Positive Energy Solar is an employee-owned, Albuquerque-based solar business that’s celebrating 25 years of providing top-notch solar installation services to New Mexico residents in 2022. The company is owned and operated by local New Mexico residents who exude passion and knowledge for renewable energy. Twenty-five years of experience installing solar panels in New Mexico gives the company’s technicians all the skills they need to navigate the tile and metal roofing common in New Mexico.
Don’t let the simple name fool you; Affordable Solar is a staple of the New Mexico solar scene and has been providing top-notch solar services to New Mexico residents since 1998. The company offers a good selection of products from high-quality solar brands. Affordable Solar is — as you might expect from the name — affordable, offering good financing and competitive pricing.
Affordable Solar costs less than many other companies, although the price depends on what services you select and other factors like the size of your home. You’ll get the best price estimate by contacting the company and making an appointment for an evaluation.
Affordable Solar’s warranty information is a bit confusing, although the website states that all its products are backed by standard 25-year manufacturer’s warranties. Information about workmanship or performance warranties is unavailable.
Affordable Solar offers rooftop solar panel installations, batter backups, EV charging, and energy auditing services.
Affordable Solar accepts cash and offers financing through US Eagle Federal Credit Union.
Affordable Solar handles its installations in-house, saving you the hassle of dealing with an external contractor.
Unfortunately, Affordable Solar doesn’t indicate what brands it uses for its solar panels, although it does say it uses Tier 1 manufacturers. We value transparency, so the lack of information about panel and battery brands knocks the company down a few pegs in our eyes.
The company’s website indicates that it uses Enphase inverters in all its solar systems and offers the Tesla Powerwall and Chargepoint for energy storage.
Affordable Solar is a certified Tesla Powerwall installer and holds industry certifications from NABCEP and The American Solar Energy Society. The company is also accredited by the BBB and maintains an A+ rating.
4.4
Installs high-quality Maxeon panels
Outstanding customer support
Best-in-class warranty lasts 40 years
3.7
Affordable prices
Excellent selection of panels and services
Locations in 22 states
4.3
No payments needed for 18 months
Provides in-house financing
Offers top brands like LG and Trina
3.9
Highly rated customer service
Provides 24/7 panel monitoring
Solid A+ rating with the BBB
More New Mexico Resources
Final Verdict: The Best Solar Company in New Mexico
In our opinion, the best solar provider in New Mexico is NM Solar Group. The company is based in New Mexico and offers stellar customer service, high-quality equipment backed by a solid warranty, and tons of high-quality affordable solar systems. The only drawback is the company is relatively new, but don’t let that deter you.
If you prefer to go with a more established solar installer, look no further than SunPower. Even though the company isn’t local to New Mexico, it provides outstanding solar technology and rock-solid warranties on all its residential solar projects. Unfortunately, SunPower’s reputation as an industry giant and high-efficiency panels make it quite expensive.
Factors to Consider When Choosing The Best Solar Company in New Mexico
With so many great options for solar in New Mexico, we understand if you’re still not sure what company to choose. To help you out, here is a quick overview of the most important factors you need to consider before choosing a solar provider.
Cost of Services & Installation
Front and center in most people’s minds when considering going solar is the cost. Unfortunately, there’s no way around it: solar panels are expensive. However, most companies offer reasonable financing options to help homeowners afford solar panel installations without going bankrupt.
As enticing as a cheap company may make it seem, low-cost solar systems often have shorter lifespans and lower efficiency than more expensive systems. Saving some money upfront only to lose or give up more money down the road is a losing proposition.
Equipment and Damages Warranty
Solar panels are exposed to the elements, whether they’re installed on your roof or a ground mount, so make sure the company you choose offers a reasonable warranty. The best solar warranties cover equipment, installation, and performance for 25 years, so don’t get stuck with a subpar warranty unless you’re taking a calculated risk.
Solar Services Offered
Most solar companies offer similar basic services like panel installation and battery backups, but only some offer more advanced features like EV chargers and solar monitoring. Your choices are even more restricted if you’re looking for niche solar equipment like solar shingles or a full solar carport.
Financing Options
Solar financing options are an important part of shopping for a solar installer. Virtually every solar energy company offers some kind of financing these days, but the options can differ substantially. Some companies handle financing in-house — notably ADT Solar — while others tend to partner with an external financial partner. No matter what kind of financing you’re looking for, make sure you understand the terms of your contract before you commit.
Solar leases and PPAs are insidious financing options disguised as an affordable way to get solar energy. When you don’t own your solar system, you won’t save as much money in the long run. At best, you’ll pay slightly less than you would on an ordinary electric bill from your local utility company. At worst, you’ll wind up paying more.
Do They Contract Installation?
In general, it’s best to choose a company that does its own installations. Customers who use a solar company that subcontracts its installations report more issues on average than people who have their panels installed by a full-service company. This is ultimately up to you, but we think going with an all-in-one solar company makes the most sense and will save you from potential headaches during installation.
Brands of Solar Equipment Offered
Solar technology is improving in leaps and bounds, and most major solar manufacturers produce outstanding equipment these days. However, some companies, like Tesla and SunPower, are still a cut above the competition, offering higher energy efficiencies, better monitoring, and better durability than the rest of the field. Make sure to ask about the brands a company uses before signing up if it’s something that’s important to you.
Average Online Rating and Customer Reviews
We recommend reading as many online solar reviews as possible when you’re in the initial research phase. Customer reviews are very helpful for getting a feel for how a company operates and can give you an idea of what it’s like being a customer. Be wary of companies that don’t have many reviews, and make sure to peruse reviews from as many sources as possible to avoid biases.
Industry Partnerships
A company with many industry partnerships is probably more invested in solar as a whole than a company that can’t be bothered forming professional relationships. You can decide for yourself what kind of partnerships to prioritize, but we find that manufacturing partnerships are good indications of a company’s long-term commitment to solar and community partnerships are usually a sign of a company with strong ideals.
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Size of Company
Finally, the size of a company will play a major role in your experience as a customer, so you should choose a company that can provide the level of attention you’re looking for. Small local solar businesses will always be able to offer better customer service and more personalized attention than a national behemoth; the tradeoff is that the national company will usually — but not always — have more options and lower prices.
FAQs about the Best Solar Companies in New Mexico
Who is New Mexico’s most reputable solar company?
In our opinion, New Mexico’s most reputable solar company is either SunPower or OE Solar. Both companies have a long history of providing outstanding solar services to New Mexico residents. We give an honorable mention to NM Solar Group, which doesn’t get the nod only due to its relative youth.
Is New Mexico a good state for solar?
New Mexico is an excellent state for solar power systems. The state receives abundant sunshine each year — the second most sunshine in the country, in fact — and is far enough south to be in the sweet spot for optimal solar energy production.
The state also has tons of excellent solar companies, and residents are eligible for the federal tax credit and state tax rebate. Several New Mexico energy companies also offer solar incentives and net metering to encourage residents to invest in solar and make panels more valuable overall.
Is there a solar tax credit in New Mexico?
Yes, there is! New Mexico offers a 10% solar tax credit up to a $6,000 tax reduction. This is in addition to the federal tax credit, which is a credit to your income taxes for a massive 26% of your total system cost — this is scheduled to decrease to 22% in 2023.
Who is the most affordable solar company in New Mexico?
Perhaps unsurprisingly, Affordable Solar is the most affordable solar company in New Mexico. NM Solar Group is also very affordable, although it depends on your specific selections. Both companies also provide great value for the money.
Do solar panels increase home value in NM?
Yes. Tech real-estate marketplace Zillow estimates that installing solar panels increases a home’s value by 4.1% on average. That means that the average New Mexico home is worth $12,300 more with solar panels than without.
How much does solar installation cost in New Mexico?
An average-sized 7-kW solar energy system in New Mexico costs around $14,000 after the federal tax credit. Assuming an average efficiency rating and using the average annual sunshine statistics for New Mexico, it will take about 12 years to recoup the initial cost of a solar system in energy savings, which is around the national average.