Josephine NesbitContributing Writer
Josephine Nesbit is a contributing writer for USA TODAY Homefront. She specializes in home impr...
Updated Apr. 22, 2024
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Homefront Local uses a unique algorithm to score solar companies based on important factors like user reviews and how popular they are in your area.
Top-quality solar panel installation in Santa Fe, New Mexico, requires you to hire a solar company that is properly certified, trained and experienced. To help your search for the best installer, we've assembled a list of the highest-ranking solar companies in Santa Fe.
Prior to selecting an installer, ask others for suggestions, evaluate potential companies and get multiple quotes to find the right company for your requirements. You can find a local solar company in Santa Fe or select a well-known national brand.
Even though solar panels are a significant upfront investment, you can reduce your energy bills over the long run. The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that moving to solar energy enables Santa Fe homeowners to save an average of $1,600 per year.
Solar companies do not all have identical services and products. You should assess different companies and ask for quotes before scheduling your solar panel installation.
Search for Santa Fe solar companies that have at least 3.5 out of 5 stars based on customer critiques on Google Reviews and comparable sites. Make sure the company has a good rating on Better Business Bureau (BBB) when choosing a solar company.
Read through reviews to understand other homeowners’ experiences with a company, and watch for mutiple bad reviews.
5600 San Francisco Rd NE # E, Albuquerque, NM 87109
(505) 315-7380
jorbar1551.wixsite.com/eastmountainso...Homeowners in Santa Fe are well-positioned for solar energy since the area receives a lot of sunshine. The top reasons to transition to solar power include these:
Per a survey we carried out in October 2023, the typical cost of installing solar panels across the country is $11,743.
The cost of installing solar panels varies based on several elements, including your location, sunlight exposure, roof orientation, shading, system size and labor. Be prepared to pay extra if you pick any accessories like animal guards, solar trackers or batteries.
In Santa Fe, solar panel installation costs approximately $15,549, based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the EIA and NASA.
While solar panel installation may be a sizable initial cost, you stand to see significant savings on your electricity costs over time.
After transitioning fully to solar power, Santa Fe homeowners typically see cost savings. However, recovering the initial investment requires time, and things like rain and tree shade impact the timeline for seeing returns on your solar investment.
In addition to monetary savings, adopting solar energy decreases your carbon footprint and environmental impact. We've calculated the estimated CO2 emission reductions you can realize by going solar based on data from NASA and the EPA.
Experts Ready to Help
There are several solar incentives available to homeowners in Santa Fe. Certain programs are applicable to all New Mexico residents, while others are dependent on your city, utility company and municipality.
The following solar incentives are offered to New Mexico residents, according to DSIRE:
Name / Incentive Type | Incentive Amount/Details |
---|---|
Property Tax Incentive Property Tax Exemption for Residential Solar Systems | Approximately 100% |
Sales Tax Incentive Solar Energy Gross Receipts Tax Deduction | 100% of gross receipts from sale and installation of solar energy systems, dark-colored water tanks, and non-vented trombe walls |
Personal Tax Credit Geothermal Heat Pump Tax Credit (Personal) | 30% |
Corporate Tax Credit Geothermal Heat Pump Tax Credit (Corporate) | 30% |
Performance-Based Incentive PNM - Performance-Based Solar Program | $0.0025/kWh |
PACE Financing Local Option - Renewable Energy Financing District/Solar Energy Improvement Special Assessments | Determined locally |
Personal Tax Credit Federal Residential Renewable Energy Tax Credit | 30% federal tax credit for systems placed in service after 12/31/2021 and before 01/01/2033. Good for: solar water heat, solar photovoltaics, biomass, geothermal heat pumps, wind (small), fuel cells using renewable fuels. |
Take time to think through these questions prior to hiring a solar panel installation company.
The right solar system size for you relies on how much energy your household utilizes, as well as the system's energy production ratio. More energy-intensive households often need more extensive solar installations. If the system isn't large enough, it might not generate sufficient electricity to power your whole home.
Required permits and local or state regulations could impact your solar project. Be sure to apply for necessary permits through your local building department and plan an inspection.
Not all homes get the same amount of sun. Local tree coverage, rain conditions and severe weather can affect sunlight access. If your property doesn’t get sufficient sunlight, then you may need extra panels with higher wattage.
A solar battery facilitates the storage of extra power in solar panel systems. This is especially useful when you're trying to prevent power loss under cloudy skies. Incorporating battery storage might bump up the overall installation cost.
You can choose from several types of solar panels, each differing in life expectancy, efficiency and design. These factors not only influence the price, but also the speed at which you’ll need to replace panels and how much space the panels take up on your roof.
The Homefront Local team employs a proprietary scoring algorithm that evaluates companies based on key factors you value, such as average customer review ratings and trustworthiness indicators. Our method for determining trust involves a comparative analysis of the number of reviews a company receives compared to its local competitors. This leads to companies that have earned more trust from your local community being awarded a higher score.
We review national and large regional solar providers against our full methodology. We score solar companies on reputation and customer reviews, service options, payment, financing and warranties.
Editorial note: The name “Homefront” refers to the alliance between USA TODAY and Home Solutions that publishes review, comparison, and informational articles designed to help USA TODAY readers make smarter purchasing and investment decisions about their home. Under the alliance, Homefront provides and publishes research and articles about home service and home improvement topics. Homefront has an affiliate disclosure policy. The opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Homefront editorial staff alone (see About Homefront). Homefront adheres to strict editorial integrity standards. The information is believed to be accurate as of the publish date, but always check the provider’s website for the most current information. Go back to top
Our editors may use AI as an input tool to tailor information in local markets. All content goes through a rigorous research and review process led by our team of writers and editors.
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