Solar FAQ

Albuquerque’s Solar Company – Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the financial benefits of solar energy?

Going solar will save you money on your electricity bills and protect yourself against rising PNM rates in the future. 

2. What are the environmental benefits of solar energy?

Solar power and other renewable energy resources have many environmental and health benefits. Going solar reduces greenhouse gas emissions, which contribute to climate change, and also results in fewer air pollutants like sulfur dioxide and particulate matter, which can cause health problems.

3. What is net metering?

Net metering is the system that PNM uses to credit homeowners for the electricity produced by their solar panels. With net metering, you only pay for the electricity that you use beyond what your solar panels can generate

4. How does solar impact my property values?

Studies have shown that homes with solar energy systems sell for more than homes without them. However, your property value will only increase if you own, rather than lease, your solar panel system. We have partnered with Sungage Financial to offer you a $0 down loan option to insure you own your system and reap all the possible benefits.

5. Do my solar panels produce power when the sun isn’t shining?

The amount of power your solar energy system can generate is dependent on sunlight. As a result, your solar panels will produce slightly less energy when the weather is cloudy, and no energy at night. However, with 300 days of sunshine and federal and state incentives, solar is a smart decision for any New Mexican. 

7. Do solar panels work in a blackout?

If your solar panel system is connected to the grid, it will shut off in the event of a blackout. This is to prevent emergency responders and electricity utility repair-people from being injured by your panels sending power back to the grid. However, there are battery backup systems that you can install with new or existing systems. 

8. Can I go off grid with solar panels?

No, when you install solar on your property, you will still be connected to the grid.  This allows you to draw from the grid when your system is not producing all of the power that you need and send power back to the grid when you produce more than you use

9. Do I need to install solar batteries with my solar power system?

Solar power systems that include solar batteries, known as solar-plus-storage, are increasingly popular in areas that experience blackouts or grid failures. 

10. What solar energy rebates and incentives are available?

There is a state rebate and the federal tax credit. The most significant is the 26 percent federal investment tax credit (ITC), which allows you to deduct 26 percent of the cost of your solar energy system from your taxes. The State of New Mexico.

11. What size solar energy system should I get?

The size of your solar energy system will depend on how much electricity you use on a monthly basis, as well as the weather conditions where you live

12. Do I need to replace my roof before installing solar?

Solar energy systems can last for 25 to 35 years, and it can be costly to remove and reinstall them if you need to replace your roof. If your roof needs maintenance in the near term, you should complete it before you finish your solar installation

13. What happens if I sell my solar house?

If you own your solar system, your solar house will sell at a premium: studies have shown that solar increases property values. With a transferable solar loan from our partner Sungage Financial, selling your home with solar will be easy! 

14. How do you attach panels to my flat roof?

Attaching them to the roof would mean causing holes in your flat roof, which could allow leaks in the monsoon and winter seasons. Which is why we use a Non-Penetrating ballast system made by Unirac (located here in Albuquerque).