Compare the highest-rated home solar professionals in Silver City, New Mexico. All contractors are licensed, insured, and verified through our rigorous screening process.
As New Mexico's largest and most established locally-owned solar installer, Positive Energy Solar has a stellar reputation across the state. They are known for high-quality system design, premium equipment, and expert installation. They have a strong focus on customer education and offer comprehensive services from consultation to maintenance.
This is the dedicated SunPower division of Positive Energy Solar. They offer SunPower's industry-leading, high-efficiency solar panels and complete system solutions. This partnership provides the benefit of local, expert installation combined with top-tier manufacturer technology and warranties.
A well-regarded regional contractor based in Las Cruces that serves Southern New Mexico, including Silver City. They offer a full-service approach, combining solar installation with roofing and HVAC services, which can be advantageous for integrated home energy projects.
** The home solar market in Silver City, New Mexico, is characterized by high solar potential due to the area's abundant sunshine, but it is a smaller, service-driven market rather than a highly competitive one with numerous local installers. Residents typically rely on a few key local/regional players or larger companies based in Albuquerque or Las Cruces that extend their service areas. * **Average Quality:** The quality is generally high, as the leading providers are established companies with strong certifications (like NABCEP) and partnerships with top equipment manufacturers (e.g., SunPower, LG, Tesla). * **Competition Level:** Moderate. There is not a saturation of installers, but the companies that do serve the area are reputable and experienced. This lack of intense price competition means consumers should focus on value, expertise, and service quality over seeking the absolute lowest bid. * **Typical Pricing:** Pricing is competitive with national averages, but system costs are highly variable based on system size, equipment choice, and roof complexity. As of 2024, homeowners can expect a ballpark range of **$18,000 to $35,000+** for a typical residential system before applying the 30% federal investment tax credit (ITC) and other potential state or local incentives. The knowledge of and assistance with these incentives is a key service offered by the top providers.
4.7+ star average from verified customer reviews
All contractors are properly licensed and insured
10+ years average experience in the industry
Familiar with Silver City regulations and climate
Get answers to common questions about home solar services in Silver City, New Mexico.
A typical residential solar installation in Silver City ranges from $15,000 to $25,000 before incentives, depending on system size and home energy needs. Critically, New Mexico offers a state tax credit of 10% of the system cost (capped at $6,000), and you remain eligible for the 30% federal tax credit. Additionally, Silver City's abundant sunshine means your system will generate more power for your investment compared to cloudier regions, improving long-term savings.
Silver City's high altitude (around 5,900 feet) and clear skies provide exceptional solar irradiance, boosting panel efficiency, especially in cooler temperatures. However, the intense UV exposure and occasional high-wind events or hail require selecting durable, high-quality panels rated for such conditions. Seasonal monsoon rains in July and August provide natural cleaning, but minimal maintenance like occasional dust removal after dry spells is recommended.
After system design and signing a contract, the process typically takes 2 to 4 months. Key local steps include obtaining a permit from the City of Silver City's Building Department and coordinating with the local utility, Southwest Public Service (SPS), for interconnection approval. Installation itself takes 1-3 days, followed by a city inspection before SPS grants "Permission to Operate," finally activating your system.
Prioritize installers licensed in New Mexico (NM EE98J license) with specific experience in the local jurisdiction and utility territory. Ask for references from Silver City homes and verify they handle the entire permitting and interconnection process with the city and SPS. Choose a company that provides detailed production estimates tailored to our local climate and offers strong warranties on both equipment and workmanship.
Standard grid-tied systems shut off during an outage for safety unless paired with a battery backup. For outage protection, you must install a battery system like a Tesla Powerwall. For net metering, SPS offers a program where excess energy you send to the grid earns you a kilowatt-hour (kWh) credit, which is used to offset power you draw at night. These credits roll over monthly, with an annual "true-up" settlement.