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.
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 |