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New to plug-in solar?

Plug-in solar lets anyone generate free electricity — no roof, no permit, no contractor. A single panel on your balcony can meaningfully cut your bill, especially as rates keep rising.

What is plug-in solar? →How it saves you money →

New Mexico

Considering

New Mexico has abundant solar potential (one of the best US solar resources) and a strong Solar Rights Act protecting property owners. PNM is generally accommodating of small grid-tied systems but requires formal interconnection applications. A 2026 plug-in/balcony solar exemption bill failed in committee, citing fire-risk and interconnection concerns, so sponsors plan to retry in 2027. Plug-in solar remains in a legal gray area requiring standard interconnection.

Get notified when New Mexico goes legal

Laws are spreading state by state. One email when New Mexico passes — no spam.

What You Can Use in New Mexico While You Wait

Plug-in solar that ties into your home's wiring isn't legal here yet — but a portable solar generator (a panel charging a battery you plug devices into directly) never touches your home's wiring, so it's legal in New Mexico right now, no law required.

Budget start

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus (288Wh Battery)

0.288 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$299

Check price ↗

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 (1kWh Battery)

1.07 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$449

Check price ↗

Whole-apartment backup

Jackery Explorer 2000 v2 (2.04kWh Battery)

2.042 kWh battery · Jackery 100W panel

$749

Check price ↗

See the full solar backup guide

Runtime charts for real devices, more kit options, and setup steps.

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Electricity Cost Trend

↑ 5.0%/yr avg — Moderate

Rates up 28% over the past 5 years

From $0.108/kWh in 2021 → $0.138/kWh today. Every year you delay solar, your bills compound.

5.0%

avg. annual increase

Historical avg. residential rate ($/kWh)

$0.108

2021

$0.114

2022

$0.119

2023

$0.125

2024

$0.131

2025

$0.138

2026

20-year projected rate

$0.366/kWh

at 5.0%/yr escalation

Extra you'll pay over 20 yrs*

$1,803

vs. today's rates (1,000 kWh/mo household)

Best time to go solar

Now

Each year of delay = a year of higher grid bills

What a New Mexico Law Could Look Like

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Based on neighboring states

Utah (1,200W), Maine (600W), and Virginia (1,000W pending) provide the template. A New Mexico law would likely allow 600–1,200W systems to plug into standard household outlets — no permit required.

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High rates = strong economics

At New Mexico's avg. $0.138/kWh, a 600W system generating ~880 kWh/year saves roughly $121/year. Payback in as few as 7 years at current rates.

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Renters and condo owners

Plug-in solar requires no permanent installation — just an outlet. This makes it uniquely accessible to renters and condo owners who can't get rooftop solar.

FAQ

Does New Mexico have a law protecting solar access from HOAs?

Yes. The Solar Rights Act (NMSA 47-3-1 to 47-3-5) makes solar energy access a property right and voids HOA covenants that effectively prohibit solar collectors, though HOAs can still impose reasonable aesthetic and placement rules.

Can a landlord ban a plug-in solar panel in a rented apartment?

The Solar Rights Act does not specifically address rental units or small plug-in devices, so landlords likely retain discretion over what tenants attach to balconies or windows.

Does PNM allow small plug-in solar devices to connect without an application?

No. PNM requires a formal interconnection application, UL 1741-certified inverter, and a lockable disconnect switch for any grid-tied system, regardless of size, under current rules.

Is there a pending balcony solar bill in New Mexico?

A 2026 plug-in solar exemption bill failed to advance amid fire-safety and interconnection concerns; advocates say they plan to reintroduce similar legislation in the 2027 session.

Stay in the Loop

We monitor all 50 state legislatures. The moment New Mexico files a plug-in solar bill, you'll be the first to know.

Legal DisclaimerLaws change. Information on this site reflects our best understanding of current statutes as of the date shown. It is not legal advice. Verify requirements with your state utility commission, local building department, and a qualified attorney before installation.