Cleaner, newer energy in the City Different

The state of solar in Santa Fe

Santa Fe sees a lot of sun—approximately 283 days of it each year. It’s not surprising that an estimated 93% of the rooftops in the city are solar viable,^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018). and that’s a good thing. As energy rates continue to rise in the region, going solar offers a way to secure long-term, low-cost electricity in the future. It also helps Santa Fe reach its goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2040.

How much solar energy does Santa Fe produce?

In 2019, roughly 7% of the energy in the Santa Fe area came from residential solar sources. The City of Santa Fe also has 4.2 MW of solar capacity installed at nine municipal-run properties, with plans for another 2.8 MW in the future.

Via Power New Mexico (PNM), the county as a whole is home to 9.8 MW of grid-connected solar, enough to power 3,850 homes.^*Power New Mexico (PNM) Solar. May 2021. The state public utilities commission greenlit a plan to install an additional 650 MW with 350 MW of solar storage in 2020. That installation is part of a clean energy package to replace the closure of the coal-fired plant, San Juan, that currently provides electricity to Santa Fe.

What are the advantages of going solar in Santa Fe?

Solar power comes with a wealth of benefits. For example, solar is a carbon-neutral energy source. By switching to solar, you'll reduce your carbon footprint and help fight climate change. If every solar viable home made the switch, we'd offset 339,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of taking 84,300 vehicles off the road for a year.^*Google, Project Sunroof data explorer (November 2018).

Beyond the environmental benefits, solar power also has the potential to offer significant electricity cost savings. With a 5 kw solar system, you could save as much as $21,000 over 20 years of use. It’s possible to break even on your upfront costs within 11 to 12 years.^*Energy Sage. Solar Panels in Santa Fe, NM. May 2021. After that, assuming your system is properly sized for your electricity usage, you could completely eliminate your bill.

How much does solar cost in Santa Fe?

The cost of a home solar system can vary, even in the same city, due to a range of factors. These include:

• Angle of the roof

• Household’s energy needs

• Quality of the solar system's panels and parts

• Roof space

• Weather

To help you understand the price of going solar in your area, we've analyzed SunPower price quotes, as well as quotes gathered from third-party sources for thousands of homeowners across the country.^*Local Solar Installers 2020/2021, Solar Reviews 2021, Energy Sage 2021, Wood Mackenzie 2020, National Renewable Energy Laboratory 2020 In Santa Fe, we found that the cost of owning a 5 kW solar system ranges from $11,900 to $24,900, or in other words, from $2.38 to $4.98 per watt. And that's before considering the benefits of any available tax credits or incentives.

Santa Fe offers significant tax credits for residential and commercial property owners looking to convert to solar energy. The New Mexico Solar Tax Credit offers a 10% credit up to $6,000. You also won’t pay sales tax on your system.

If you’re a customer of Power New Mexico (PNM), the PNM Customer Solar Energy Program allows you to earn $.0025/kWh for the solar energy your system produces. This program requires an application fee and an 8-year REC purchase agreement.^*Power New Mexico (PNM) PNM Customer Solar Energy Program. May 2021.

It can be coupled with PNM's net metering program. With net metering, you'll receive a credit on your bill for any excess electricity your system produces that can be used in times of low production. All the above are also stackable with the 30% federal tax credit if you purchase your system.^*The availability of net metering, tax credits, and incentives are subject to change. Please visit the dsireusa.org website for detailed solar policy information.

What’s the best way to go solar in Santa Fe?

If you’re considering going solar in Santa Fe, remember that solar systems vary in terms of durability and appearance, among other things. The solar installer you choose will also significantly impact the longevity and efficiency of your system.

Bear in mind that the type of solar system you need will depend on various factors, such as your budget, energy needs, and available roof space. Let's say you want to generate a large amount of power to store or sell back to your utility. It would be best to choose a larger system with high-efficiency panels.

Alternatively, if you’re looking to minimize upfront costs or maintain the aesthetic of your home, high-efficiency solar panels can boost energy production without jeopardizing the appearance of your home.

A reputable solar provider can help you evaluate your needs with a price and savings estimate, custom system design, and overview of any incentives that may be available to you.

If you’re ready to get started, fill out the form below to request a free consultation today. We’ll get back to you shortly with a quick call to schedule a time. You can also call us directly at (800) 786-7693.