New Mexico community solar FAQs
How do community solar credits and billing work in New Mexico?
New Mexico community solar programs are required by state legislation to use Non-Universal Consolidated Billing, which is a two-bill model where you see your full credits applied directly to your existing utility bill, but then get a separate bill from Perch for the cost of those credits (their monetary value based on your solar share farm share’s energy production)—but at a discounted rate. You’re paying for your share’s generated utility credit, but at a lesser price point thanks to the community solar discount Perch provides.
Who in New Mexico is eligible for community solar?
Some eligibility requirements do apply depending on the project and location. But if you pay an electricity bill, you may be eligible for community solar! That includes residents (renters and homeowners), businesses, franchises, non-profits, universities, religious organizations, hospitals, municipality buildings, stores, and more.
Does it cost anything to join a New Mexico community solar program?
No. Signing up for community solar with Perch is totally free with no upfront fees. Once you’re matched to a farm, we’ll thoroughly explain how your credits work so you aren’t surprised by anything.
How much can I save with community solar in New Mexico?
Based on the most common community solar legislation and policies across the U.S., community solar subscribers in New Mexico can expect to save between 5-10% on average on annual electricity costs! Savings vary based on your location and the project you’re assigned to and may differ month to month. Exact savings not guaranteed.
Does community solar change my utility company or electricity provider?
Nope! Neither your utility nor electricity provider will change with community solar.
Does Perch own the solar farms in New Mexico?
We don’t. Solar farms are usually owned by companies, firms, special entities or in some cases the utilities themselves. Perch just manages solar farms and helps you, the customer or subscriber, get savings.
Where does the electricity go that a New Mexico solar farm generates?
Onto the overall grid! Because solar farms are connected to the utility, the energy they produce is put onto the grid and the utility distributes it as needed. The benefit is that the utility is getting loads of clean, eco-friendly energy as opposed to energy from harmful fossil fuel sources.
Does a solar farm have to be in my city or town for me to subscribe?
No. While there does need to be one within a certain vicinity and with a certain amount of capacity available to take on subscribers, it doesn’t necessarily need to be in your city or town. The solar farm’s energy isn’t going directly into your home or business, so it’s not as though you must be within range of the transmission lines. When you sign up with Perch, the first thing we do is check if there’s a solar farm available to you.