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Is plug-in solar legal in New Mexico?
- Introduced
- Passed one chamber
- Passed both chambers
- Signed
- In effect
What this means for you
✓ What you can do
- Apply for interconnection like any small generator (<=10 kW simplified), typical fee $150.
- Use portable panels with a power station, never connected to house wiring, with no permission at all.
- Install conventional rooftop or ground-mount solar through the standard interconnection process.
✕ Not yet / not allowed
- Plug a grid-tied kit into an outlet without an interconnection agreement; it can breach your service terms.
- Expect a permit or wiring exemption; none exists without a law.
- Count on SB 157 this year: Introduced 1/26/2026 (30-day session); Action Postponed Indefinitely by Senate Committees' Committee; died; deferred to 2027.
What the rules say
New Mexico's SB 157 died in the 2026 short session; PNM interconnection rules apply.
Before you plug in: New Mexico checklist
- The rule that applies is New Mexico Public Regulation Commission's interconnection process: 17.9.568 NMAC (interconnection) / 17.9.570 NMAC (net metering).
- A plug-in kit falls in the smallest tier (<=10 kW simplified). $150 application fee (<=25 kW).
- Permits: CID electrical permit; 2020 NEC; homeowner permits allowed.
- Only consider kits with a UL 1741-listed inverter (UL 3700 preferred); a non-listed inverter will not be approved anywhere.
- What exports are worth: Monthly netting, excess at avoided cost (<=10 kW).
- If approval is slow or costly, a portable panel and power station (never connected to house wiring) needs no permission.
- Watch SB 157: Introduced 1/26/2026 (30-day session); Action Postponed Indefinitely by Senate Committees' Committee; died; deferred to 2027.
The rules in detail
New Mexico has no statute specific to plug-in solar (the only bill so far is SB 157 (+ HM 38, SM 10)). Average residential electricity price: 16.09¢ per kWh (EIA, July 2026).
- Sponsor: Sens. Jeff Steinborn, Harold Pope.
- Utilities: Delayed after utility concerns (NPR).
Your utility's rules in New Mexico
No utility in New Mexico publishes a rule that specifically allows or bans outlet-connected generation, so the general interconnection agreement is what applies. Here is what the largest residential utilities say and require.
| Utility | Residential customers | Published position on plug-in kits |
|---|---|---|
| Public Service Co. of New Mexico | 492,945 | No specific statement. |
| Southwestern Public Service (Xcel) | 100,540 | No specific statement. |
| El Paso Electric (NM) | 94,760 | No specific statement. |
Interconnection terms for a sub-1.2 kW system
| Regulator | New Mexico Public Regulation Commission. |
|---|---|
| Governing rule | 17.9.568 NMAC (interconnection) / 17.9.570 NMAC (net metering). |
| Smallest tier | <=10 kW simplified; fee tier <=25 kW. |
| Application fee | $150 application fee (<=25 kW). |
| Electrician / permit | CID electrical permit; 2020 NEC; homeowner permits allowed. |
| Export compensation | Monthly netting, excess at avoided cost (<=10 kW). |
| Electrical code | 2020 NEC (eff. 3/28/2023). |
- Died on 30-day-session germaneness; 2027 60-day session is a real opening.
- $150 fee exceeds a decade of a 400 W kit's export value.
Plug-in solar bills in New Mexico, 2025–2026
| Bill | Sponsor | Status | What it would do |
|---|---|---|---|
| SB 157 | Sens. Harold Pope and Jeff Steinborn (D) | Introduced 1/26/2026 (30-day session); Action Postponed Indefinitely by Senate Committees' Committee; died; deferred to 2027. | Use of Portable Solar Generation Devices (tracker: 1,920 W variant). |
State incentives
- Solar Market Development Tax Credit 10% up to $6,000 (EMNRD certification required).
Who is pushing for a law
- Bright Saver
- CCAE / Sierra Club Rio Grande (not confirmed)
Savings preview: 800 W kit in New Mexico
Adjust for your setup →≈ $180/year
Frequently asked questions
Is plug-in solar legal in New Mexico?
Not yet. New Mexico considered a plug-in solar bill (SB 157 (+ HM 38, SM 10)) that did not pass in 2026; a new version is expected. Until then, utility interconnection rules apply.
Do I need a permit or electrician for plug-in solar in New Mexico?
Default. Check with your local building department before you plug in.
Do I have to tell my utility in New Mexico?
Default. Plugging in a grid-tied kit without following this can breach your service agreement.
What can an 800 W plug-in kit save in New Mexico?
Roughly 1120 kWh and about $180 per year at New Mexico's average residential rate of 16.09¢/kWh, assuming a typical balcony or patio mount. See the calculator for your exact setup.