Residential Solar Installation in Albuquerque
In the past few years, you may have noticed that many of your friends, family, and neighbors have decided to make the switch to solar power. With PNM and Xcel Energy, we can count on energy costs rising nearly every year. That's why with the 300 days of sunshine we get annually in Albuquerque, much higher than the national average, solar seems like the obvious energy solution!
Indeed, the list of good reasons for New Mexicans to switch to switch to solar is long. Plus, the right solar company will make the transition easy by handling your project with integrity, exceptional customer service, and quality workmanship.
Are solar panels worth it in New Mexico?
Solar energy has evolved to become an excellent choice for many Albuquerque homeowners.
New Mexico continues to move towards renewable energy sources. In 2023, we were producing enough solar energy to power almost half a million homes!
This begs the question, why are so many New Mexicans making the switch to solar now?
Here are a few ways that switching to solar can benefit Albuquerque residents:
Lower your electric bill
In most cases, current solar incentives and solar loans allow you to keep your monthly bills low and predictable for the foreseeable future. This is great for New Mexico homeowners who want to switch to a sustainable energy solution without breaking the bank - and in many cases, even save money!
Take advantage of state and federal government tax credits
In 2024, both the federal and New Mexico state governments are offering tax credits to NM homeowners. These credits lower your tax liability and can ultimately cover up to 40% of the cost of your solar energy system.
Reduce your carbon footprint
Switching to a solar PV system rather than relying on fossil fuels or coal can drastically decrease your carbon emissions. Some people wonder if manufacturing solar panels has a large carbon footprint but the truth is, it only takes 2-3 years for solar panels to offset their lifecycle emissions. This means for decades your solar system will be producing truly clean, renewable energy.
Increase the value of your home
You can have peace of mind knowing that if and when you decide to sell your home, having a solar array on your roof will become a selling point, not a drawback, for potential buyers. According to Zillow, a solar panel installation on your home will increase the value by an average of 4.1%!
It's no wonder that with all of the benefits of going solar in the state of New Mexico and the rising interest in clean energy among Albuquerque residents, there has been a huge boom in the number of solar installers in the state. By the end of 2023, the solar industry in the Albuquerque/Rio Rancho/Santa Fe area consisted of 88 companies - 47 being installers.
As a homeowner, how can you be sure you're working with the best solar company for you?
For more recommendations about ensuring you've chosen the best solar installation company for your needs, you can jump to the section Find The Best Company For You.
Cost of solar in Albuquerque
The price of solar has fallen 42% over the last ten years in New Mexico. This huge decrease in price is one of the major incentives to make the switch to solar in 2024. By taking advantage of the state and federal solar tax credit, many homeowners can gain energy independence from PNM through net metering, while maintaining or even lowering the amount they pay for energy monthly.
Why do solar companies charge what they do?
The reason that solar is still considered a relatively big investment (and the reason that trying to DIY it is a bad idea) is that there is much more that goes into your solar system than meets the eye.
When you receive quotes for a solar system, here is an incomplete list of what goes into your system cost:
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A consultation with a solar expert to determine your unique solar needs
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Assistance in finding the best financing option for you
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A site survey of your home to determine specific structural and electrical needs
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Solar equipment including panels, inverters, and racking
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Structural and electrical engineering to build the safest and most efficient system for your home
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New electrical equipment including a junction box, wiring, breakers, AC disconnect, PV meter, and system monitoring
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Any necessary electrical upgrades to your home
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Permits from your utility company and county (electrical, building, and zoning)
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An installation crew of about 6 people and one or two days of labor
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Customer support throughout the process
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(Up to) 25-Year Warranties
Buying vs. leasing your solar system
Many homeowners at the beginning of their solar journey wonder whether it makes more sense to lease or buy their solar system. Although leasing a system may initially seem like an attractive option because it doesn't require the commitment to a solar loan, there are a few major drawbacks to leasing solar panel systems.
Drawbacks of solar leases:
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No federal tax credit
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No state tax credit
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More expensive long-term
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No end date for payments
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Can be a drawback when selling your home
The best solar panels for Albuquerque, NM
The best solar panels in Albuquerque will have high efficiency, low degradation, and an excellent warranty. At Photon Rainbow, we are very proud to be one of the few installers of SunPower panels. SunPower is the longest-running panel manufacturer still in business, their panels are among the highest quality on the market, and they offer a guaranteed 25-year warranty.
To read all about why SunPower panels are perfect for New Mexico homeowners, check out this article: SunPower's Trusted Local Installer In Albuquerque.
How to go solar in Albuquerque, NM
Going solar is a great way to get out from under the thumb of your electricity bills and do something positive for the Earth. If you're ready to find out if solar truly makes sense for you and your home, this is where to go from here:
Find the best company for you
The city of Albuquerque has some of the country's best solar companies. What matters is that you choose a company that aligns with your needs and values! Here are some questions you may consider when choosing the right solar company for you:
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What is customer satisfaction like in the company? Consider reading customer reviews online.
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Is this a local company? Will a real live person be available to help you during the process if you need it?
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Does the company have a workmanship guarantee? Can you have peace of mind knowing your system will run smoothly?
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How much solar experience does the company have? Make sure your solar expert is well-versed in the solar industry and can they answer all of your questions.
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Does this company use the best panels on the market? Make sure you are choosing a panel that has optimal efficiency and low degradation.
Choose the best panels for your home
There are lots of solar panels on the market that range from relatively inexpensive but low-quality to overly expensive thanks to a brand name. At Photon Rainbow, we were very particular in choosing the best solar panels on the market to take the guesswork out of the equation. You should feel confident that your solar system will produce energy for your home for many, many years to come. Read more about SunPower solar panels here.
Choose the best financing option for you
Make sure that your solar company can explain your solar financing options and help you confidently make the right choice for you. Whether you're looking to pay cash, apply for a loan, bundle your roof work into your loan, etc. your solar company should be able to guide you through this process.
Make sure you're receiving your tax incentives
The incentives offered by the state of New Mexico and the federal government are meant for homeowners just like you! Make sure you ask your solar company exactly how those tax credits will apply to you.
Enjoy saving money and the environment
Once your solar company has designed your perfect system, obtained all of the necessary permits, and installed your beautiful new solar system, it's time for you to reap the rewards of this decision.
