Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Santa Fe, New Mexico. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
A highly-rated, locally-owned and operated company specializing in custom residential solar and battery storage systems. They are known for their personalized customer service, expert system design, and deep knowledge of local incentives and utility policies.
A Santa Fe-based installer focused on high-quality residential systems. They emphasize energy efficiency and offer comprehensive services from consultation to maintenance, building a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship.
This is a partnership between a leading national solar manufacturer (SunPower) and one of New Mexico's largest and most established local installers (Positive Energy Solar). They offer top-tier, high-efficiency SunPower equipment and have a robust local team for installation and service.
** The home solar market in Santa Fe is mature and highly competitive, characterized by a high concentration of experienced, reputable local and regional installers. The city's abundant sunshine (over 300 days per year), high electricity costs compared to the national average, and favorable state incentives make it an ideal location for solar. The average quality of providers is high, with many companies having over a decade of experience and holding top-tier certifications (like NABCEP). Competition is strong, which benefits consumers through competitive pricing and a focus on customer service. Typical pricing for a residential system in Santa Fe is competitive with the national average, generally ranging from **$2.80 to $3.50 per watt** before applying the 30% federal tax credit. This translates to a gross cost of approximately **$20,000 to $35,000** for an average-sized system (7-10 kW). The market has a strong focus on battery storage integration due to both desires for energy independence and the specific "grid-tied with backup" requirements for homes in wildfire-prone areas.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Santa Fe regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
Santa Fe's high altitude (over 7,000 feet) and 300+ days of sunshine annually are significant advantages for solar. The thinner atmosphere allows for stronger solar irradiance, potentially increasing panel efficiency by 5-10% compared to sea-level locations. However, winter snow can temporarily reduce production, though the intense sun and low humidity mean snow typically melts off panels quickly, and our clear skies lead to excellent year-round generation, especially in spring and fall.
In addition to the 30% federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC), New Mexico offers a state tax credit of 10% of the system cost (capped at $6,000). Furthermore, Santa Fe residents benefit from a key local regulation: the **Property Tax Exemption for Solar Systems**. This means the added value from your solar installation will not increase your property tax assessment. These incentives are stackable, significantly reducing your net system cost.
The entire process typically takes 2 to 4 months. After design and contract signing, the critical local step is obtaining permits from the City of Santa Fe's Land Use Department, which can take several weeks. Following permit approval, installation usually takes 1-3 days. The final, and often longest, phase is scheduling the mandatory inspection and "interconnection" approval from PNM (the local utility) to turn your system on, which can take a month or more.
Prioritize providers with extensive local experience, as they understand Santa Fe's specific permitting process, architectural review requirements (especially in historic districts), and PNM's interconnection rules. Look for New Mexico-licensed electrical contractors (NM E98 license) and check reviews on local platforms. Several established, reputable local and regional companies operate here, including Positive Energy Solar (founded in Santa Fe), SunPower by Positive Energy Solar, and others with a strong physical presence in the community.
Yes, but production will be lower than in summer. Winter days are shorter and sun angles are lower, but Santa Fe's intense, high-altitude sunlight and frequent clear winter days still provide meaningful generation. Snow cover is a temporary factor, but panels are installed at an angle, and snow usually slides off quickly. Proper system sizing, done by a qualified local installer, will account for this seasonal variation to ensure your annual production meets your needs, often leveraging PNM's net metering program to bank summer credits for winter use.