Solar Resources
The Environmental Health Department is seeking ways to encourage solar energy development in our community. Below is a collection of solar information and resources for the community. Our community’s solar goals can be found in its Solar Statement. Learn more about the basics of solar energy, your solar options, and questions to ask solar professionals, read the Residential Consumer Guide to Solar Power and visit the Department of Energy’s Homeowner’s Guide to Going Solar.
Our Solar Commitment 
Solar Benefits and Potential 
Finding a Contractor & Going Solar 
Financing, Incentives, and Tax Exemptions 
Local Solar Metrics & Projects 
New Mexico Community Solar 
Additional Solar Resources
The City of Albuquerque is closer than ever to it's 100% renewable energy goal, with the launch of Solar Direct the City is at 80% renewable energy for municipal operations! The City is committed to exceptional customer services as it relates to solar processes.
The City of Albuquerque has been awarded SolSmart Gold designation by implementing best practices to make it easier for residents and businesses to install and access solar energy.
Permitting
To promote the continued advancement of solar in our community we are committed to the following:
- Providing clear guidelines about the solar permitting and inspection process in our ground/roof mounted solar checklists.
- Using a building permit and electrical permit, electrical permits will need to be pulled by a contractor through POSSE.
- Processing small rooftop solar PV permits applications in less than 3 business days.
- Offering inspection appointment times for solar projects (instead of appointment windows).
- Homeowners applying for Solar PV, will need to submit BOTH a building permit and an electrical permit.
Solar energy uses a renewable energy source – the sun – and provides many benefits for individuals and the community. It improves environmental quality by reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, supports local solar companies in New Mexico, saves money on energy costs as the price continues to drop from technological developments, and improves electric grid resilience during peak demand and other stresses to the system.
Solar Maps and Potential
Learn more about your property’s solar potential. You can also estimate the performance of potential PV projects using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory’s PVWatts Calculator.
Find a solar contractor (or two) to assess your home for solar energy and provide a quote.
- Certified practitioners can be found through NABCEP.
- Visit EnergySage to learn about solar energy and submit for solar quotes from a network of pre-screened, local solar installers.
- Consumer Solar Checklist – a checklist for residential consumers considering solar energy from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
- Clean Energy Consumer Bill of Rights – ensure a positive consumer experience by addressing important issues from IREC, the Interstate Renewable Energy Council.
- Solar Customer Resource Portal – various resources from SEIA, the Solar Energy Industries Association.
- Solar Owner’s Manual – information for current solar homeowners to ensure they are getting the most out of their system from Solar United Neighbors.
Typically solar installations are paid for through loans or cash, with Federal and State incentives available.
- Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics – learn about the federal tax credit, eligibility, and other common questions & answers from the U.S. Department of Energy.
- A Homeowner’s Guide to Solar Financing – learn about different financing options from CESA, the Clean Energy States Alliance.
Mayor Keller has committed to using 100% renewable energy use for government operations by 2025. Read more about the City's solar projects:
- View more information for getting solar for your home on the City's Consumer Financial Protection Initiative webpage.
- View more information on Albuquerque Energy Council and how they direct municipal solar operations.
- View more information on Solar Direct.
- View more information on the City's role advocating for community solar in the Coalition of Sustainable Communities.
- View more information on municipal renewable energy projects.
The City supports equitable access to renewable energy. The State’s Community Solar Act, reserves at least 30% of the power generated by community solar projects for low-income households or low-income serving organizations. Here are resources to learn more about the State’s program:
- Visit the official Community Solar Customers webpage to learn more
- Interested in the program? Review resources on the consumer protection hub
- View the Community Solar Project Awardee List
- To participate, contact a selected project listed under your electric utility provider (PNM for Albuquerque residents)
- Explore the New Mexico Community Solar website, what is it, who can apply, and other helpful resources
- Community Solar Act Fact Sheet from the New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD)
- What is Community Solar? Response and resources from the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC)
- View more information on the City's role advocating for community solar in the Coalition of Sustainable Communities
Get Involved, Stay Informed
- Albuquerque Fire Department Solar PV Installation Guidelines.
- Sign up to receive updates on the City’s sustainability projects and opportunities to provide input.
Job Training and Educational Opportunities
If you are interested in pursuing a career in solar energy, here are some links to regional and national educational courses, programs, and/or trainings offered from colleges, universities, technical institutions, and non-profits