Albuquerque, New Mexico, with its abundance of sunshine, is a popular choice for homeowners looking to install solar panels on their roofs. Despite the fact that even Albuquerque’s most famous fictional resident chose pizza over solar panels, the potential benefits of solar energy, such as lower energy bills, continue to attract interest in the area.
According to Christopher Fortson, Marketing Coordinator at Positive Energy Solar, interest in solar remains steady in New Mexico, with a 20% annual increase in solar installations over the past decade. The state is heavily powered by renewables, with wind power generating 38% of electricity and solar installations contributing 8%.
Albuquerque’s ideal solar potential and incentives have led to a market flooded with solar companies. National solar panel companies like Palmetto Solar, Freedom Forever, and Tesla Solar are popular options in the area. Local installers such as Solar Works Energy and Positive Energy Solar also offer quality services.
When choosing a solar company, homeowners should consider factors such as project management, pricing, local regulations, and available incentives. Costs for solar panels in Albuquerque vary, but most homeowners can expect to pay tens of thousands of dollars for a system. While solar panels in New Mexico may cost slightly more per watt than the national average, various factors impact pricing.
Homeowners in Albuquerque can take advantage of federal solar incentives, such as the residential clean energy credit and state-level tax credits. The state also offers net metering, sales tax exemption, property tax exemption, and other incentives to promote solar energy adoption.
Overall, New Mexico has a favorable solar policy environment, earning a grade of B on CNET’s solar policy test. The state offers incentives like a statewide solar tax credit and net metering, making solar energy accessible and affordable for residents. When considering solar installation, homeowners should take into account various factors that can affect costs and benefits.