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NEW MEXICO'S SOURCE FOR ENERGY INDEPENDENCE

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It Is Time To Go Solar, Isn't It?

They say, "By going solar, you'll be saving time, saving money, and saving our planet." But I have some questions...

FAQ

Why go Solar?

How do I know if solar is right for me?

There are several factors we can look at to determine if solar might be a good solution for your needs, including roof space, home energy usage, credit health, and eligibility for incentives. At NMSC, we start by calculating a quick savings estimate based on your home, location, and current electricity costs. We can then outline options based on your goals and the specifics of your home. All of this happens before you buy, allowing you to decide if solar is right for you based on a clear understanding of the potential costs and savings.

Where should I start? It seems complicated.

You're right, solar energy can feel very complex, especially if you're researching providers, technologies, incentives, municipal requirements, permits, the list goes on. That’s why NMSC created end-to-end solar energy solutions that allow you to plug into savings with less time and no hassle. From financing and design to installation, tracking, and maintenance, our dedicated Customer Experience Team is here to answer questions, address concerns, and guide you through every step of the process. Visit our product pages to learn more about NMSC's solar and storage solutions.

How do I choose the right solar energy system for my home?

The right solar energy system for your home will depend on a variety of factors, including your current electricity usage, the size and layout of your roof, and your preferred level of energy independence. To hone in on the right solution for your home, we'll outline estimated costs, environmental impact, monthly savings, and long-term savings based on system sizes that work with your roof. Should you choose to invest, we’ll design the perfect solution to meet your goals and maximize your savings—no haggling, no upselling, just right.

What happens if I produce more power than I need?

If your home is connected to the grid and you’re located in a net metering area, any excess energy produced can flow back into the grid, and may earn you credit on your electricity bill. If you choose to integrate energy storage with your solar power system, any excess energy that is produced and not immediately used by your household will function to charge your battery. This, in turn, allows you to access stored solar power for your home when energy usage exceeds production. Homeowners not connected to the grid often choose to increase their solar storage capacity to enable uninterrupted power regardless of weather or time of day.

Will solar panels work with my roof?

Before designing your custom solar solution, we’ll take a detailed survey of your property and assess the solar energy potential of your roof. Beyond the size, angle, and orientation of your roof, we’ll look at shading, estimated tree growth, materials, ventilation and drain pipes, and the overall condition or health. Because solar panel arrays can last 25-30 years without the need for repair or replacement, it’s important the roof beneath is in good shape. In some cases, it may be advisable to have your roof repaired or replaced entirely before the installation of solar panels can begin. Once installed, solar panels can protect your roof and reduce the need for ongoing repairs.

How can I pay for my solar energy system and installation costs? Are there financing options available?

Solar energy system and installation costs aren’t a cash-only thing—there are several financing options available. Two of the more common options are 1) a solar energy loan, which functions like a home improvement loan and 2) an energy efficiency mortgage designed to help homeowners fund updates on fixtures and features. Property Assessed Clean Energy programs are also available in some states, and grant homeowners upfront funding which they then repay over time through higher property taxes. If you’re interested in financing a solar energy system, NMSC's dedicated customer care team is available to help clarify your options and identify which solution might work best for your needs.

What if my utility bill is pretty low already?

Electricity rates vary by location so some American households benefit from low monthly costs. That said, electricity rates are generally on the rise and the environmental costs of relying on fossil fuels remain. Our solar savings estimator can help your forecast potential savings based on your location and current monthly electricity costs.

Do solar panels work on cloudy or rainy days? What if I live in a cloudy area?

It’s a common misconception that solar panels won’t work in cloudy, rainy, or snowy areas. In reality, your solar panels can still capture and generate power from indirect light. During the initial survey and design process, we’ll examine your overall electricity usage relative to your potential solar energy production and structure your array to optimize savings. Geography and weather are key factors in this process. In some cases, we may recommend integrating battery storage with your solar energy system to extend the benefits of energy produced across cloudy and inclement weather.

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