Plug-In Solar in New Mexico — Status: deferred
Bill: SB 157 / SM 10 — Plug-In Solar Device Consumer Access Act
Sponsor: Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (SB 157)
Legislative Status: Deferred until 2027. Session adjourned without action.
Is Plug-In Solar Legal in New Mexico?
A dedicated statewide plug-in solar pathway is not currently active in New Mexico; SB 157 / SM 10 is listed as deferred. Before installing or connecting equipment, confirm current utility or interconnection rules, local code or permit requirements, property or lease conditions, outlet and electrical suitability, and the equipment listing and manufacturer instructions.
Last Updated: March 2026
Key Information
| Average Electricity Rate | 14.2¢/kWh |
| Estimated Annual Savings | $250/year |
| TOU Rate Spread | 5¢/kWh |
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 6.3 |
| Retail Choice | none |
Key Provisions
Would have exempted certified plug-in solar devices from NMPRC interconnection requirements.
What You Can Do
No specific plug-in solar law. New Mexico has excellent solar resources. PNM offers solar programs.
What You Can't Do (Yet)
PNM and El Paso Electric currently require interconnection agreements.
Available Rebates & Incentives
New Mexico Sustainable Building Tax Credit includes a solar component. Net metering available through PNM and El Paso Electric. The federal 30% ITC (Section 25D) expired December 31, 2025.
Incentive Program Links
- DSIRE — New Mexico Solar Incentives — Full list of New Mexico state and utility solar incentive programs.
Demographics (US Census 2023)
| Population | 2,113,344 |
| Total Households | 794,300 |
| Owner-Occupied | 542,000 |
| Renter-Occupied | 252,300 |
| Single-Family Homes | 500,697 |
| Apartment Units (5+) | 78,893 |
| Median Household Income | $63,832 |
| Median Home Value | $248,800 |
Solar Resource Data (NREL PVWatts)
| Peak Sun Hours/Day | 6.33 |
| Optimal Tilt Angle | 35° |
| Optimal Azimuth | Due South (180°) |
| Est. Annual kWh (800W system) | 1441 kWh |
| Best Solar Months | May, April, September, October, March, June |
Major Utilities
| Utility | Customers | Net Metering |
|---|---|---|
| Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) | ~550000 customers | Yes |
| El Paso Electric (EPE) | ~465000 customers | Yes |
| Xcel Energy (Southwestern Public Service Company - SPS) | ~92838 customers | Yes |
| Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative (CNMEC) | ~13000 members | Yes |
Explore Your Next Steps in New Mexico
Use these tools and guides alongside the state-specific rules above to evaluate your space, potential savings, and the right connection approach.
- Compare every state — Return to the national tracker to compare enacted laws, pending bills, and unclear jurisdictions.
- Check your NM setup readiness — Review placement, outlet, property, and state-rule questions before choosing equipment.
- Estimate savings in New Mexico — Use your location and setup assumptions to estimate bill savings and storage value.
- Understand off-grid and grid-connected use — Separate truly off-grid or portable solar from equipment that connects to a building circuit or utility grid.