Top 7 Best Solar Companies in New Mexico

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 seven best solar companies available in New Mexico to help you make the best choice that’s affordable and meets your home’s energy needs.

Best Solar Installation Companies in New Mexico

• Best Local Provider: NM Solar Group
• Best National Provider: SunPower
• Outstanding Regional Installer: OE Solar
• Outstanding Local Installer: Solar Works
• Best Solar Warranty: ADT Solar

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	Our Rating	BBB Rating	Warranty	In-House Installation	Cost
NM Solar Group	Best Local Provider	9.8	A+	25 years for equipment and workmanship	Yes	$$
SunPower	Best National Provider	9.8	A+	25 years for equipment, workmanship, and efficiency	Sometimes	$$$$
OE Solar	Outstanding Regional Installer	9.7	A+	25 years for equipment	Yes	$$$
Solar Works	Outstanding Local Installer	9.6	A+	25 years for equipment	Yes	$$$
ADT Solar	Best Solar Warranty	9.5	A-	25 years for equipment and performance	Yes	$$$
Positive Energy Solar	Outstanding Local Installer	9.4	A+	25 years for equipment and workmanship, 30 years for repairs	Yes	$$$
Affordable Solar	Local Solar Veteran	9.3	NA	25 years for equipment	Yes	$$

1. NM Solar Group

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.

Pros

• Local business with New Mexico roots
• Excellent prices
• Top-notch customer service
• High-quality products and brands

Cons

• Limited selection
• Relatively new business

Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services

NM Solar Group offers New Mexico residents affordable solar solutions, as long as they don’t want advanced features. The company provides unparalleled customer service and backs its work with an excellent warranty.

Average Cost

NM Solar Group is more affordable than most New Mexico solar providers, making it an attractive option if you’re on a tight budget.

Warranty

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.

Solar Services

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.

Financing Options

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.

In-House or Contracted Installations

NM Solar Group is an all-in-one solar provider, handling your system’s design, permitting, equipment, and installation in-house.

Brands of Solar Equipment Offered

The company carries high-quality solar panels from industry-leading brands like SunPower, Tesla, and SolarEdge. Energy storage is available through Tesla Powerwall batteries.

Partnerships

NM Solar Group donates $20 to GivePower for every installation it performs, helping to increase solar awareness and adoption.

2. SunPower

SunPower was founded in 1985 and remains at the top of the solar industry nearly three decades later. The company is synonymous with quality, with many industry experts claiming that the company’s Maxeon panels are the most energy-efficient options on the market. SunPower’s state-of-the-art equipment is backed by a comprehensive 25-year warranty and the company is known for providing excellent customer support.

The only downsides to choosing SunPower are the company’s limited selection of products and high prices. However, the equipment and service you receive are generally deemed worth it by the satisfied legions of SunPower customers across the country.

Pros

• Highly efficient solar panels
• Excellent warranty for equipment, performance, and labor
• 30 years in the business

Cons

• Solar systems are pricey
• Only offers its own brand panels

Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services

SunPower can get away with charging higher prices than other companies because it’s confident that its technology and service outpaces the competition. Couple its technological superiority with its industry-leading warranty, and the premium price starts to make sense.

Average Cost

SunPower solar panel systems cost well above the New Mexico average. If you’re unsure whether investing in solar is a good fit for your financial situation, a premium company like SunPower probably isn’t for you.

Warranty

SunPower’s 25-year warranty covers parts, labor, and performance, which partially explains the higher price. If you want the most peace of mind possible when purchasing a solar system, SunPower’s warranty is what you want.

Solar Services

SunPower’s solar services cover most customers’ needs. The company installs solar panels, batteries, and EV chargers and offers solar monitoring services.

Financing Options

Customers looking for many financing options will be pleased with SunPower’s options. The company accepts cash and traditional financing, as well as solar leases and PPAs.

Specials or Incentives Offered

As of this writing, SunPower offers $100 to anyone who recommends a friend, family member, or neighbor who schedules an in-home consultation.

In-House or Contracted Installations

SunPower used to contract out its installations but has recently started making a move to in-house installations. You can contact the company for more information about your local options or ask your agent during your free quote visit.

Brands of Solar Equipment Offered

SunPower only installs its own Maxeon solar panels. However, these are considered the most efficient panels available for residential solar installations.

Partnerships

As one of the oldest and most well-known solar companies in the country, SunPower has many industry partnerships with installation companies and a public relationship with the San Francisco 49ers NFL franchise.

3. OE Solar

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.

Pros

• More than a decade of New Mexico solar experience
• Excellent selection of high-quality equipment
• Outstanding customer service

Cons

• Seems slightly more focused on commercial business
• Limited financing options

Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services

OE Solar is an established solar company that focuses on providing the best possible solar services throughout New Mexico without charging exorbitant prices. The company’s reach extends beyond New Mexico, but it is well acquainted with the subtleties and nuances associated with New Mexico’s residential architecture and climate.

Average Cost

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.

Warranty

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.

Solar Services

OE Solar provides solar panel installations, battery backups, EV chargers, system inspections, solar maintenance, and solar monitoring.

Financing Options

The company accepts cash payments and offers solar loans. PPAs and solar leases are not available.

Specials or Incentives Offered

The company offered $500 for every referral who signed up for service in 2021, but it is unclear whether the program is still available in 2022.

In-House or Contracted Installations

OE Solar is a full-service solar provider and handles all its installations internally through a team of expert technicians and electricians.

Brands of Solar Equipment Offered

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 Generac or Tesla.

Partnerships

OE Solar is certified by the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) and has partnerships with Tesla and Panasonic, among others.

4. Solar Works

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 locally available tax credits and know what equipment works best in the dry New Mexico heat.

Pros

• Run by local solar experts
• Excellent customer service
• Solid product lineup

Cons

• Brand offerings are limited
• Less than 10 years in business

Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services

Solar Works has a solid, albeit small, selection of products and services from a select few brands. Its pricing is fair, and its warranty covers most of what New Mexico homeowners look for, although it’s not the best solar warranty we’ve seen.

Average Cost

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.

Warranty

All of Solar Works’ solar products are backed by a 25-year warranty covering equipment and repairs.

Solar Services

The company offers solar panel installations, battery backups, solar carports, and solar maintenance services.

Financing Options

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.

Specials or Incentives Offered

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.

In-House or Contracted Installations

Solar Works handles its installations in-house, so you’ll never have third-party companies working on your system or complicating the process.

Brands of Solar Equipment Offered

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.

Partnerships

Solar Works is certified by NABCEP and is a PanasonicSolar premium installer.

5. ADT Solar

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.

Pros

• The best solar warranty in the business
• Solid selection of products and brands
• Builds on Sunpro’s success

Cons

• Customers complain about communication
• Prices are good, but not great

Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services

ADT Solar is technically a newcomer to solar electric power, but the company had a massive head start from building on Sunpro’s established industry relationships. The company offers the best warranty we’ve seen and is an excellent choice — as long as you can deal with interfacing with a national company.

Average Cost

ADT Solar’s prices are average by New Mexico’s standards.

Warranty

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.

Solar Services

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.

Financing Options

ADT Solar accepts cash and solar loans but doesn’t offer solar leases or PPAs.

Specials or Incentives Offered

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.

In-House or Contracted Installations

ADT Solar conducts in-house installations, so you don’t have to worry about juggling communication with an independent installer.

Brands of Solar Equipment Offered

ADT Solar uses top-of-the-line equipment from well-known solar manufacturers like Panasonic, LG, and Tesla.

Partnerships

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.

6. Positive Energy Solar

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.

Pros

• Employee-owned business
• Local New Mexico knowledge helps with design and permits
• 25 years in the business
• Great warranty

Cons

• Narrow selection of brands
• A bit pricey

Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services

Positive Energy Solar is a great choice if you want to stick with a local New Mexico company. The company’s customer reviews are nearly universally positive, and the warranty it offers is impressive.

Average Cost

Positive Energy Solar costs about as much as the statewide average, with some customers reporting that their systems came in slightly more expensive than they initially expected.

Warranty

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.

Solar Services

The company offers simple rooftop solar panel installations, ground mount systems, battery backups, and EV chargers.

Financing Options

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.

Specials or Incentives Offers

The company is offering $500 for every customer who chooses to go solar with Positive Energy Solar, thanks to your recommendation.

In-House or Contracted Installations

Positive Energy Solar is an all-in-one solar installer, so all installations are performed by a certified in-house team.

Brands of Solar Equipment Offered

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.

Partnerships

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.

7. Affordable Solar

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.

Pros

• Very affordable
• Knowledgeable technicians
• Tons of excellent customer reviews
• In business since 1997

Cons

• Doesn’t specify panel brands
• Website can be buggy

Company Profile: Cost, Warranty, & Services

Affordable Solar gives away its business plan right in the name. The company is dedicated to providing New Mexico residents with affordable solar options, even if it means offering fewer products and a limited selection of brands.

Average Cost

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.

Warranty

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.

Solar Services

Affordable Solar offers rooftop solar panel installations, batter backups, EV charging, and energy auditing services.

Financing Options

Affordable Solar accepts cash and offers financing through US Eagle Federal Credit Union.

In-House or Contracted Installations

Affordable Solar handles its installations in-house, saving you the hassle of dealing with an external contractor.

Brands of Solar Equipment Offered

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.

Partnerships

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.

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 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.

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.