Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Gallup, New Mexico. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A leading local solar installer known for personalized service and deep community roots. They specialize in both residential and commercial projects, with a strong focus on educating homeowners and designing systems tailored to the high-desert climate of Northwestern New Mexico.
As one of New Mexico's largest and most established solar companies, Positive Energy Solar has a strong statewide presence and a reputation for high-quality installations and excellent customer service. They serve the Gallup area from their operational hubs and are well-versed in state-specific incentives like the 'Pueblo Enchanted' program.
A unique, Native American-owned company with a national reach but deep ties to the region. They are experts in both grid-tied and complex off-grid systems, making them an excellent choice for properties on the outskirts of Gallup or within the surrounding tribal lands. They are a certified B Corporation, reflecting high standards for social and environmental performance.
** The home solar market in Gallup, New Mexico, is characterized by high solar potential but a limited number of local, dedicated installers. The city's abundant sunshine (over 280 days per year) makes it an ideal location for solar energy generation. However, as a smaller city, the local competition is not dense, with only one or two primary local contractors like Solar Works NM operating directly within the city limits. Consequently, the market is served significantly by established regional players from Albuquerque and Santa Fe, such as Positive Energy Solar and Sacred Power Solar, who have the resources and scale to cover the Gallup area effectively. This provides residents with a good mix of local, personalized service and the expertise of larger, more experienced companies. Typical pricing for a residential system is competitive with the national average, but can be influenced by the logistics of serving a more remote area. Homeowners in Gallup can benefit from strong state-level incentives, including the New Mexico Solar Market Development Tax Credit and net metering policies, which reputable installers are proficient in navigating. The expertise in off-grid and battery storage solutions is notably higher than average due to the rural nature of the surrounding McKinley County and the specific needs of neighboring tribal communities.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Gallup regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Gallup, New Mexico.
A typical residential solar system in Gallup ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy needs. You can significantly reduce this cost with the 30% federal solar Investment Tax Credit (ITC) and New Mexico's state tax credit, which offers 10% of the system cost (up to $6,000). Additionally, Gallup's abundant sunshine means your system will generate more power, improving your long-term return on investment compared to cloudier regions.
Gallup's high altitude and over 280 days of sunshine annually are excellent for solar production, though the intense UV light can slightly degrade panels faster over decades. The dry climate means less frequent rain to naturally clean panels, so occasional cleaning to remove dust and pollen is recommended for peak efficiency. Hail is a seasonal concern, but most modern panels are rated to withstand severe hail, a key specification to discuss with your installer.
Prioritize installers licensed in New Mexico with specific experience navigating local utility (Gallup Electric Utility) interconnection requirements and building codes. Look for established companies with strong references in McKinley County and verify they handle the entire permitting process. It's also wise to choose a provider familiar with the specific racking and wiring best practices for our high-wind, high-sun environment.
Yes. While winter snow can temporarily reduce production, panels are installed at an angle so snow usually slides off quickly, and cold temperatures actually improve panel efficiency. The summer monsoon season (July-August) brings brief, heavy rains which help clean panels, but also more clouds. A well-designed system accounts for this seasonal variation, ensuring ample production in sunny months to build credits with your utility for cloudier periods.
While technically possible, going completely off-grid in Gallup is complex and costly due to the need for a very large battery bank to store several days' worth of energy for periods of low sun or high consumption. For most homeowners, a grid-tied system with net metering through Gallup Electric Utility is the most practical and economical choice, providing reliable backup while allowing you to export excess power for credit.