Residential Solar Installation in Rio Rancho
Although over 100% of Sandoval County's electricity generation comes from sustainable sources, we are using almost 10x more electricity than we are producing. Because of this, out of 530 cities in New Mexico, Rio Rancho is still the third-highest for total emissions from electricity consumption.
Thankfully, Rio Rancho is an excellent place for a solar panel system, and with the state and federal tax credits available to New Mexicans right now, it's easier than ever to reduce your carbon footprint and contribute clean energy to our city.
We'll go into more detail below, but it's completely reasonable to believe that switching to solar in 2024 can have a positive impact on the environment, give you energy independence, and increase the value of your home.
It's a win-win-win!
What are the best solar companies in Rio Rancho?
The solar industry has boomed in New Mexico and across the country in recent years which has given homeowners lots of options when it comes to choosing the best solar company. The best solar installation company for a resident in Rio Rancho, or any other city for that matter, will vary depending on your needs and values.
Some things to consider when choosing the best solar company for you:
Is the company local?
A local company, like Photon Rainbow, will provide a much more personalized experience during your switch to solar. With a small local company whose reputation is everything, you're guaranteed to have access to solar experts who can answer your questions and keep you in the loop. Everyone from the owner of the company to your solar consultant to the crew that will be on your roof during the day of installation are your neighbors.
Does the company have excellent reviews from other Rio Rancho residents?
One of the best ways you make sure you're choosing the best solar installers for you is to check out their reviews online. It's one thing for a company to have excellent reviews, but it's only relevant if those reviews are coming from your neighbors who actually live in Rio Rancho, Albuquerque, and Santa Fe.
Does the company offer the best solar panels on the market?
With the number of sunny days we get in Rio Rancho, we have the potential to harness a lot of energy from our solar systems. However, all of that direct sunlight plus the rain we get during monsoon season and even occasional snow means our solar arrays must use panels that are high efficiency but low degradation.
Photon Rainbow put a lot of intention into choosing the best possible panels for New Mexico homeowners and is now one of the few local solar companies in the state that offers SunPower solar panels - some of the best panels available anywhere on the market.
Best Residential Solar Panels for Rio Rancho
The best residential solar panels for Rio Rancho residents will have high efficiency, low degradation, and a generous warranty. An excellent panel manufacturer that always meets these high standards is SunPower. To read more about what makes these the best panels in New Mexico, check out this article.
Can Solar Save Rio Rancho Residents Money?
Switching to solar allows many Rio Rancho residents to keep their monthly energy payments the same or even lower their average cost of utility bills.
Making the switch to solar includes no upfront costs and with the state and federal solar incentives as well as competitive solar loans, many homeowners save money over the life of their solar system.
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A monthly solar bill is a fixed amount that never increases - unlike the rising energy costs we experience from utility companies. Plus, a solar payment has an eventual end date when you will own your solar equipment outright. This is very different from typical energy bills that we pay to the utility company year in and year out, regardless of the rising rates they impose on us.
We are very fortunate in New Mexico that PNM offers a net metering program which makes it easy for homeowners to be a part of positive change in the community.
Net metering means that when we produce more energy than we need during the sunniest days, we can use that excess energy at night time or during our higher consumption months. This is great news because it allows you to replace your electric bill with a new, fixed monthly solar bill and have peace of mind that you won't run out of solar power.
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Federal and State Tax Credits
In 2024, we still have both federal and state incentives for switching to solar in New Mexico. Between the two, you can save up to 40% on the cost of your system regardless of system size. The EMNRD of New Mexico will cover up to 10% of the cost of your solar equipment, materials, and labor for your solar system. Likewise, the federal solar tax credit is at an all-time high making it easier than ever for homeowners to feel good about the financial aspect of switching to solar power.
It is important to note that to be eligible for the federal tax credit, there are a few requirements.
Criteria determined by the US Department of Energy to qualify for the federal tax credit
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You must own your home (renters can't qualify)
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Your solar panels must be new or being used for the first time
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You must own your solar panels (no leased systems or power purchase agreements)
Will Solar Increase the Value of Your Home?
According to Zillow, adding a solar array to your home will increase your home's value by an average of 4.1%. In the past, solar was thought of as a liability when it comes to selling your home but now, your home value could very likely increase thanks to your decision to cut back on your electricity bills.
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What is the Permitting Process Like with PNM and the city of Rio Rancho?
One of the many reasons that it's important to look at the customer satisfaction of the company you choose is that the permitting process for switching to solar has the potential to be arduous. The good news, however, is that your solar company will take care of everything for you and you can just sit back and relax!
In Rio Rancho, you will have to get permits from some combination of the following: PNM, Sandoval County, the City of Rio Rancho, the state of New Mexico CID, and your HOA.
This process can take up to a few months to complete. However, many solar companies have years of experience obtaining the right permits for their customers so you will likely have a very hands-off experience during this part of the process.
Photon Rainbow Is Here To Answer Your Questions
Right now, solar is a great idea for many homeowners in Rio Rancho. Not only is it easier and more economical than ever to switch to renewable energy, but you may actually be able to save some money in the long run! The tax incentives that exist right now and the push towards solar they stem from will not last forever.
If you have any uncertainty about switching to solar, Photon Rainbow's solar experts are always happy to help answer your questions. Please don't hesitate to fill out the form below to get in touch with a member of our small, friendly team today.