ThePowerPayback
New Mexico · Data reviewed July 2026

Solar savings & payback in Albuquerque

High altitude and dry air, superb yield with full 1:1 net metering.

This calculator uses Albuquerque's own sun (~5.3 kWh/kW/day, 6% above the NM average) with New Mexico's rate and export rules. For a typical $150/month bill we estimate a payback of about 9.9 years.

Albuquerque sun
~5.3 kWh/kW/day
NM average sun
~5 kWh/kW/day
Electricity rate
15¢/kWh
Net metering
Full retail net metering (1:1)

Statewide policy, incentives, and the full cost-by-size table live on the New Mexico page

Slide, or type the exact amount from your last bill.

Exclude chimneys, shaded corners, and obstructions (~65 sq ft per kW).

Adjust assumptions (tariff & install cost)

Defaults are approximate averages for Albuquerque. Get an installer quote to confirm your exact cost.

Net metering credits exported power against what you draw from the grid. Rates vary by state, California's NEM 3.0 pays much less for exports than 1:1 states.

Albuquerque solar FAQs

Is solar worth it in Albuquerque?

For a typical $150/month bill, we estimate a Albuquerque system pays for itself in about 9.9 years, using local sun (~5.3 kWh per kW per day), New Mexico's average 15¢/kWh rate, and full retail net metering (1:1). No federal tax credit is assumed (it expired at the end of 2025). High altitude and dry air, superb yield with full 1:1 net metering.

How much do solar panels generate in Albuquerque?

Roughly 5.3 kWh per installed kW per day averaged over the year, about 1,935 kWh per kW annually. A typical 6kW system produces around 11600 kWh a year here. Roof orientation and shading move these figures.

What rebates are available in Albuquerque?

10% state solar tax credit (capped at $6,000) plus superb sun. Utility-level programs come and go, check your utility's website and dsireusa.org for anything city-specific before signing.