Recent Posts in Solar Category

Understanding rooftop solar in Santa Fe

The popularity of solar panels as a home renovation choice is on the rise in Santa Fe and across the country as homeowners seek ways to cut energy costs and contribute to a greener environment. However, before you take the plunge into solar energy, you likely have some essential questions to address. What is the value that solar panels can bring to your home? How long can you expect them to last? ...

Are Solar Batteries Worth It?

Enhancing your solar energy system's performance, whether by integrating a battery with a new solar setup or adding one to an existing system, offers a way to optimize your clean energy utilization both during the day and into the night. The combination of solar panels and energy storage allows you to operate in a self-consumption mode, allowing you to store surplus energy generated during the day ...

Can You Add Solar Panels To An Existing System?

Even with a properly sized solar energy system designed to produce all of your home’s power, it’s possible for energy needs to change over time and you may find yourself asking, “What happens if I need to expand my solar energy system later?". Adding more solar panels to an existing system can absolutely be done, but let’s explain some things to consider to ensure you get the best value and ...

Solar Energy Myths Debunked: Separating Fact from Fiction

As solar energy becomes more popular and accessible, it's essential to separate fact from fiction when switching to solar power for your home. In this post, we'll debunk the top 5 solar energy myths and provide the information you need to decide about solar power for your home. Myth #1: Solar Panels Don't Work in Cloudy or Cold Climates Many believe solar panels are only effective in sunny, warm ...

When Is The Best Time of Year to Install Solar?

So you want to go solar but you may be wondering, what time of year is the best time of year to make the switch? Should you wait until the Fall or should you go solar in the Spring or Summer? Let’s take a closer look at the benefits each season has for going solar. By getting your solar panels installed in the Springtime or early Summer months (when the days are longer and solar potential is at ...

How Do I Claim My Federal Solar Investment Tax Credit

As of 2022, thanks to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, any homeowner who invests in solar energy for their home can receive a solar investment tax credit (ITC) from the federal government at a deduction up to 30% of the costs of their solar energy system. The 30% ITC will remain at 30% through the year 2032. It will decrease to 25% for any solar energy systems installed in 2033 and will ...

What happens when your PNM Small Solar REC Purchase contract expires?

If you were an early adopter of solar in New Mexico with the state's largest utility, the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), you may be accustomed to receiving a check from PNM in addition to not having an electric bill. This was part of a legacy program that paid for Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) from the clean energy a solar system produced and put onto the grid. Many of these ...

Will Solar Panels Increase My Home Value?

So you want to switch to solar energy but you are not sure that your current home will be your ‘forever home’. Will solar panels on your roof be of benefit to you when it comes time to sell your house? When it comes to listing your home for sale, there are several factors that affect property value; the price of comparable homes in your area, the home’s age and condition, and the state of the ...

How Long Do Solar Panels Last?

How Long Do Solar Panels Last? Solar panels are a significant investment, so it is important to know how long they will continue to generate electricity and perform as expected. Most solar panels have production warranties guaranteeing they last 20-25 years. However, by selecting quality solar panels & with proper care, some solar panel systems can last 30 or more years; There are solar panels ...

Is There Such a Thing as Free Solar Panels From the Government?

You have likely seen ads promoting “free solar”, “No-cost solar program”, “Free solar from the government” or something similar. With so many ads out there touting this, you may have asked yourself whether the government is really giving solar panels to homeowners for free – the answer is no, but keep reading to learn the truth about government incentives for solar and how financing options may ...

Going Solar Without Getting Burned: the Importance of Local Solar Service

The future is bright for solar in New Mexico – now more than ever – thanks to the signing of the Inflation Reduction Act which upgraded and extended the Federal Tax Credit to 30% for the next 10 years ! While this is a significant win for solar, not all of the recent NM solar headlines have been positive as an influx of solar companies coming into New Mexico have led to inconsistent client ...

Federal and Local Tax Incentives Supporting Solar and Energy Efficiency

The Inflation Reduction Act offers excellent incentives for adopting solar energy as well as preparing your home for better energy efficiency. In this blog, we cover some of the tax incentives you have to look forward to in the next decade. Keep in mind, these are just some of the tax incentives that support solar adoption, home upgrades, and electric vehicles. For a better understanding of what ...

Federal Initiatives Supporting Distributed Generation and the Grid of the Future

The Inflation Reduction Act seems to check most of the boxes necessary for making the U.S. electrical grid run on 100% clean electricity by 2035 and a zero-emissions economy by 2050 possible. There are incentives for solar, battery storage, wind, electric vehicles, and more! While this will undoubtedly bring more renewables to the grid, we’d be remiss not to point out that our current electrical ...

8 Tips to Understand and Compare Solar Energy Proposals & Find the Best Solar Company

So, you’re serious about having solar panels installed and making the switch to renewable energy. Although there are many potential advantages, it’s worth taking the time to consider your options as thoroughly as possible. Don’t let the complexity of solar proposals overwhelm you and your decision to go solar. While each solar company has their own unique proposal, there are several key pieces of ...

Federal Solar Incentives Renewed Through 2023

Homeowners rejoice! The looming deadline to receive solar incentives on your solar installation has been extended - through 2023. The Federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) had been in a gradual step-down process over the last few years, and was set to expire in 2022 for residential solar installations. That changed, however, when Congress recently passed a $1.4 trillion federal spending and tax ...

How Much Money You Can Save With Solar Panels

How Solar Financing Works & Saves You Money You often hear about the great financial benefits of going solar, but may still be asking yourself, "can I afford to go solar" or "what's the payback period for solar?" Let's take a moment to go over the basic financials of solar, including $0-down financing options (yes, you don't have to spend money to save money)! It doesn't take an economics degree ...

Printable Valentine's Cards (FREE) - Sustainability Themed

This year for Valentine's Day, why not show off your love with these FREE printable Valentine's Day Cards from Positive Energy Solar! They're perfect for the sustainable and eco-friendly minded loved ones in your life - sure to make their faces "light up" with joy! s Click on one of the free valentine's day cards above and download them today! If you love solar and want to learn more or schedule a ...

GET INVOLVED: New Mexico Solar Tax Credit SB29

Friends, SB29, The Solar Market Development Income Tax Credit, is being heard in the Senate Corporations Committee. It is sponsored by Sen. Mimi Stewart and Rep. Matthew McQueen, and supported by the Governor as one of her top priorities. We urge you to call the Senate Corporations members (listed below) to demonstrate your support for the legislation. Please call and write with a personalized ...

High Efficiency Solar Panel Innovation

In this blog, we'll be looking at differences in solar panels and discussing solar panel efficiency, maximizing roof potential, peak performance, solar panels & heat, and questions to ask solar installers during your consultation. Efficiency refers to the amount of power your solar panels can produce when the sun is shining on them, and it is worth considering prior to your purchase. Understanding ...

Meet Your Most Trusted New Mexico Solar Installers

Chances are, you know someone who has made the switch to solar or, at the very least, you’ve noticed solar panels being installed throughout Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, and the Santa Fe area. There’s also a good chance you’ve seen some of Positive Energy Solar’s work – we’ve been installing solar on homes and businesses in New Mexico for over 21 years including notable projects for Santa Fe Public ...

Positive Energy Solar - Serving New Mexico's solar energy needs since 1997

Allow us to reintroduce ourselves, we're Positive Energy Solar! What's in a name? You may have noticed our logo and name has "changed" recently, here's why: Back in 2015, we tried a marketing experiment with SunPower and co-branded our name to "SunPower by Positive Energy Solar". This ended up causing brand confusion as people didn't know what to call us anymore or whether we were still the same ...

New Mexico Solar Tax Credit - Legislative Update

New Mexico Solar Tax Credits While the 30% Federal Tax Credit for solar is set to begin ramping down at the end of 2019, a new bill (SB29) introduced into the 2019 legislative session would reintroduce the New Mexico Solar Tax Credit. New Mexico's previous solar tax credit system expired in 2016. The current 30% solar tax credit will apply to any solar installation completed by December 31, 2019. ...

2019 Is The Time To Go Solar-Reserve Your Solar Installation Spot!

Let's be honest, you've probably been considering installing solar for a while but just keep putting it off. You know solar energy is better for the environment, and you're keenly aware that installing solar panels on your home can save you money in the process. Maybe you had other home improvement projects to complete first, thought you couldn't afford to get solar panels for your home, or maybe ...

BREAKING: Frosty Rejecting Eyes Made Out of Coal

NORTH POLE, DECEMBER 2018 - Frosty The Snowman's is rejecting his two eyes made out of coal. Scientists have determined that this is the final phase of Frosty's determination to live a green life with no carbon output. In addition to giving up smoking his corncob pipe, Frosty recently became a Solar Advocate. "Global Warming is causing all the snow in the North Pole to melt," stated Snowman. This ...

Go Solar & Save the Planet - It's Easy with No Out of Pocket Costs!

Yes, you really can afford to go solar and help the environment while saving money at the same time! Most New Mexicans know that solar is a better energy alternative for our environment, can save you money by eliminating the need for rising and unpredictable utility bills, and creates energy independence, so the question many have is – Why hasn’t everyone gone solar? The answer is pretty simple; ...