New Mexico

NM

SB 157 / SM 10 — Plug-In Solar Device Consumer Access Act

Deferred
Current Status
Last verified: March 2026

Legislative Status

Deferred until 2027. Session adjourned without action.

Sponsored by: Sen. Antoinette Sedillo Lopez (SB 157)

Legislation Progress

Deferred

New Mexico Solar Data

Avg. Electricity Rate14.2¢/kWh
TOU Peak Spread
5¢/kWh
Est. Annual Savings
~$230/yr
Last UpdatedMarch 2026
Calculate NM Savings
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Key Provisions

Would have exempted certified plug-in solar devices from NMPRC interconnection requirements.

What This Means for You

What You Can Do

No specific plug-in solar law. New Mexico has excellent solar resources. PNM offers solar programs.

Current Limitations

PNM and El Paso Electric currently require interconnection agreements.

Official Bill Reference

View Full Bill Text — SB 157 / SM 10

Opens official state legislature website in a new tab.

New Mexico State Overview

Key data on solar potential, demographics, utilities, and incentives.

Solar Resource
Peak Sun Hours6.33 hrs/day
Optimal Tilt35°
Best FacingDue South (180°)
Est. Annual Output (800W)1,441 kWh/yr
Best MonthsMay, April, September, October, March, June

North American Monsoon increases solar variability and impacts energy production. Snow shading can also impact PV performance, especially in montane regions.

Major Utilities
Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM)
~550000 customers
Net metering
El Paso Electric (EPE)
~465000 customers
Net metering
Xcel Energy (Southwestern Public Service Company - SPS)
~92838 customers
Net metering
Central New Mexico Electric Cooperative (CNMEC)
~13000 members
Net metering

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 Income
$63,832
Median Home Value
$248,800

32% of New Mexico households are renter-occupied — approximately 252,300 households that could benefit from plug-in solar without owning their home.

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.