They call New Mexico the Land of Enchantment, and for good reason. But the romantic Spanish architecture of Santa Fe and the dramatic caves of Carlsbad aren’t the only things this Southwestern state has going for it – lots of sunshine and great solar incentives make New Mexico one of the best places in the U.S. for homeowners to go solar.
The best way to compare your solar options and save money at the same time is by registering on the EnergySage Marketplace. When you compare quotes for solar panels on EnergySage's competitive solar marketplace, you can expect to see prices up to 20% lower than working with a single solar company. Read our updated article on the cost of solar panels to compare solar costs across states and by panel brand.
What are the best solar power programs and rebates in New Mexico?
Thanks to the many solar incentives and rebates in New Mexico, homeowner can save thousands on the cost of going solar. Here are just a few New Mexico solar rebates and incentives:
Net metering in New Mexico
When you put solar panels on your roof, you want to make sure you get credit for the power your system generates. Luckily, New Mexico has a net metering policy that credits you for the extra electricity your system produces, and allows you to use those credits when your system doesn’t generate enough power. Xcel Energy offers the top utility net metering program in New Mexico.
Sustainable building tax credit
The New Mexico state government will credit you on your taxes if you install solar as part of your sustainable building efforts on your home. In order to qualify, your home needs to be certified sustainable by the U.S. Green Building Council, and the value of the credit is determined by your certification level. You could earn as much as $6.50 per square foot for having a sustainable solar home!
New Mexico solar tax credits and exemptions
Property tax exemption for solar
Even though solar increases the value of your home, that extra value is exempt from property taxes in New Mexico. That’s great news for homeowners who go solar – you get the financial benefits of generating your own power, without having to worry about a higher tax bill.
New Mexico state solar tax credit
For property owners in New Mexico, perhaps the best state solar incentive is the state's solar tax credit. This incentive can reduce your state tax payments by up to $6,000 or 10% off your total solar energy expenses (whichever is lower). The tax credit applies to residential, commercial, and agricultural installations.
The federal solar tax credit
Don’t forget about federal solar incentives! With the investment tax credit (ITC), now referred to as the Residential Clean Energy Credit for residential systems, you can reduce the cost of your PV solar energy system by 30 percent. Keep in mind that the ITC applies only to those who buy their PV system outright (either with a cash purchase or a solar loan), and that you must have enough income for the tax credit to be meaningful (unless you’re a tax-exempt entity, in which case you might be eligible for a direct payment).
