Best 5 Solar Companies in South Valley, NM

South Valley residents are purposeful about conserving resources and practicing eco-friendly lifestyles. That's why many homeowners are purchasing panels from the top solar professionals for their homes. Local homeowners might consider solar to break free of high power costs from sources like coal. A knowledgeable solar contractor can help you install and adjust a system that meets your energy needs without costing a fortune. Discover South Valley's top-rated solar companies and learn vital decision-making tips on this page.

Ranking Methodology

Our team used the following criteria to assess the best South Valley solar companies.

• Warranty and service offerings: Solar contractors should stand behind their products and services with warranties. We evaluated how each contractor responds to issues and warranty claims, focusing on promptness and customer happiness.
• Feedback and reviews from customers: Most South Valley solar providers have both favorable and unfavorable reviews. However, a good review ratio indicates a company's reliability and responsiveness to issues.
• Educational programs and business model: Solar technicians must be knowledgeable. They should use their years of experience answer your questions on how to care for your system and maximize its performance.
• Panel quality and brand offerings: The premier solar companies remain current on new technology, providing equipment from innovative, dependable manufacturers.
• Certifications and licenses: Each provider on our list complies with state and city licensing requirements and stays up to date with industry best practices. Many of them have been a part of the South Valley community for more than a decade.

Benefits of Solar Energy

Solar energy provides numerous advantages that will enhance your home for years to come.

• Better energy independence: Solar energy can keep your home running through emergencies and blackouts. You can use your solar energy anytime with optional battery storage.
• Reduced carbon footprint: Solar is one of the universe's most abundant clean energy sources, meaning you can lower or beat your home's dependence on "traditional" sources.
• Lowered energy bills: You can skip the added cost of grid-tied power by producing some electricity right where you use it. Plus, many states provide net metering which can allow you to sell your unused energy back to help pay for your energy bill.

What Solar Incentives Are Available to South Valley Homeowners?

New Mexico homeowners who choose solar could qualify for special financing, rebates, tax credits and reimbursements. Here are just a few of the local incentive offerings.

How To Choose the Best Solar Company in South Valley

Choosing a company is the first step toward a well-oiled and valuable solar system. Make your choice based on the following vital factors.

Licensing and Training

New Mexico regulations require that solar installation supervisors must be master electricians or plumbers, with journeymen leading the wiring and piping work. Each journeyman assigned to your project will have at least two years of experience installing solar panels. Check a company's website for private accreditations from the North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP), among the solar sector's most trusted trade groups. Its program includes certifications for both solar photovoltaic and water heating installers.

Cost of Solar Panels in South Valley

Different solar panel types look and perform differently. Monocrystalline panels cost more than other options, but they generate the most power and generally have the highest quality. Polycrystalline panels produce less power, but start at a more budget-friendly price point. Thin-film panels work well for small projects like RVs and sheds, but they're not ideal for larger installations due to their low performance.

You can also add electric vehicle (EV) chargers and battery backup systems. These will increase your total installation cost, but they can enhance your solar system's efficiency. Not all solar providers offer these extras, so look for a provider that installs them if it's a priority for you.

If you're a resident of South Valley and want a five-kilowatt solar energy system, you could plan to spend about $19,650 for parts and installation. Find more information on specific component and solar panel costs in the table.

Financing Solar Energy in South Valley

There are various ways to pay for a new solar system, and the right one will help you decrease overhead. A few of the most common options include loans, leases, power purchase agreements (PPAs), and cash payments. We recommend making a cash payment or using a solar loan for the best return on investment (ROI). Cash payments require a hefty sum up-front, but you’ll pay the least long-term by avoiding interest. You’ll also own your system and can apply for solar panel incentives to reduce your total costs. Solar loans are another solid option if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. You can pay for your system in installments while still enjoying energy bill savings and solar incentives. However, you’ll spend more in total due to accruing interest. Solar leases involve paying a set monthly rate to use rooftop panels. A PPA (Power Purchase Agreement) lets you pay a monthly rate based only on the energy you use, akin to an electric bill. We typically don’t recommend these two choices because you won't own the system and are disqualified from using solar incentives. Ask each provider you're evaluating about the financing options it offers. A salesperson can help you determine the optimal option for your budget.

The table below lists the average payback periods for different capacities of solar systems in South Valley.

You are eligible for a 26% federal solar tax credit for new solar energy devices until the year 2032. Local and state governments and utility companies might also offer discounts, rebates, and specialized financing options that could save you more.

Sources

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
• National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL)
• U.S. Department of Energy