Best 10 Solar Companies in Albuquerque, NM

Albuquerque homeowners are committed to protecting the environment and living sustainably. That's why many people are purchasing panels from the best solar professionals for their homes. Local homeowners might consider solar to break free of high power costs from sources like coal. A knowledgeable solar company can help you set up and optimize a system that meets your energy needs without breaking the bank. On this page, we'll showcase Albuquerque's top solar contractors and give insightful advice for your solar journey.

Ranking Methodology

We assessed dozens of Albuquerque solar companies, using the following criteria to choose the best:

• Educational approach and support: Solar technicians must be good teachers. They should tap into their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.
• Customer feedback and reviews: Most Albuquerque solar providers have both positive and critical reviews. However, a good review ratio shows a company's dependability and responsiveness to issues.
• Certifications and credentials: Each installer on our list meets state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the Albuquerque community for more than a decade.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies keep up with new technology, offering equipment from cutting-edge and trustworthy manufacturers.
• Service offerings and warranties: Solar providers should stand behind their systems and services with warranties. We evaluated how each company responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on timeliness and customer happiness.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy has multiple advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Lowered energy bills: You can avoid the premium cost of grid-tied power by creating some electricity at home. Plus, many states offer net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.
• Better energy independence: Adding a battery backup or storage system lets you have reliable energy during storms and grid outages.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Using clean solar power means you're less dependent on fossil fuels, which emit harmful greenhouse gasses.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to Albuquerque Homeowners?

New Mexico's public agencies and power companies offer numerous solar incentives to help offset your solar system costs. Below is a breakdown of available solar programs where you live.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in Albuquerque

The cost and effectiveness of solar panels often hinge on the provider that mounted them. Here are some important factors to bear in mind while shopping for a solar provider.

Licensing and Training

New Mexico regulations require that solar installation supervisors must be master electricians or plumbers, with journeymen leading the wiring and piping work. Each journeyman working on your installation will have at least two years of experience installing solar equipment. Solar installers can also obtain accreditations from trade groups and standards organizations. The most respected ones in the industry come from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners. Most company websites will prominently display earned credentials, but you should also ask your estimator for more information.

Cost of Solar Panels in Albuquerque

The kind of solar panels you select dictates how much energy you can produce. Monocrystalline panels and high-quality and give you the best performance but cost more upfront. Polycrystalline panels work with a tried-and-true mechanism and cost less, but produce less power. Thin-film panels aren't recommended for large residential installations, but they are ideal for small projects like converting RVs and sheds.

Additional system add-ons, such as battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) chargers, will raise your overall installation costs. However, they might make your solar system more efficient and convenient to use. Not all solar contractors provide these extras, so look for a company that installs them if it's crucial for you.

You can expect to pay about $19,650 on average for a five-kilowatt solar energy system in Albuquerque. Check the table in this section to get an idea of how much Albuquerque solar companies might quote for your specific solar system's price.

Financing Solar Energy in Albuquerque

Choosing the ideal financing solution will affect your overall solar system cost and expected savings. Common payment options include power purchase agreements, loans, cash payments, and leases. We recommend making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another good option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in monthly installments while still benefiting from energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases let you use your panels for a fixed monthly rate, while PPAs let you pay just for the energy you use, much like an electric bill. Both options disqualify you for solar incentives and do not provide you system ownership. Solar experts generally don't recommend them, but they might be suitable in some cases. Look for providers that offer multiple payment plans to find the right fit for your financial needs.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in Albuquerque.

A 26% federal solar tax credit applies to recently-purchased solar equipment purchased through 2032. Extra incentives may be available through local governments, usually in the form of rebates and special financing programs.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy