FAQ

  • Business & Government

    • Why should our business go solar now?
      The longer you wait to think about solar, the more it costs your business. Commercial prices for solar are better than they've ever been. The federal investment tax credit (ITC) for solar is equal to 30% of the amount invested in an eligible installation (e.g., if you invest $100,000 in solar, you could receive a $30,000 tax credit). Meanwhile, electricity prices in New Mexico continue to increase year over year. The sooner you decide to go solar, the more your business can save.
    • If solar is so great, why isn't every business installing it?
      The truth is, more people are going solar now than ever have before. Over the last ten years, solar has grown at an average annual rate of 68%, and the trend shows no signs of reversing. Fortune 500 companies & top corporate brands like Target, Walmart and Apple are adding solar at an impressive rate across the country, including New Mexico. While not every building can accommodate the installation of solar panels, solutions like solar shade structures are creating opportunities for more businesses to benefit from clean energy savings while gaining the additional benefit of shaded parking an EV charging.
    • How can a focus on sustainability help my business grow?
      Choosing to go solar isn’t just a financial decision. It’s an environmental choice. Businesses that cultivate a focus on sustainability are experiencing powerful brand effects. A solar panel system on your business makes a strong statement to your customers. Their relationship with your brand grows. Employees walk just a little bit taller knowing the business they work for is running on clean energy. Study after study shows that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business.
    • How can running my business on solar increase my bottom line?
      For any business, finding new sources of capital to reinvest in the company can be difficult. Solar saves your business money that would otherwise be spent on utility bills. The bottom-line benefits are undeniable. 87% of business respondents cite saving money as one of the primary reasons for funding solar projects—with some projected to save hundreds of thousands of dollars (or more) in electricity costs over the life of their commercial solar panel system. That’s money that directly impacts your bottom line.
    • Solar seems like a big project. Why should I spend time and money on solar?
      Electricity rates in New Mexico have increased 50% over the last decade. Investing in solar now protects your business from price volatility by locking in low, predictable electricity rates and even eliminate up to 100% of your energy costs. Adding energy storage can help you power through power outages and keep your operations running smoothly.

      Positive Energy Solar has helped businesses just like yours find the right renewable energy solutions. We take care of everything so that you can focus on what matters most-- your business.

  • Service Maintenance For Homeowners

    • Why did my power turn off during a utility outage if I have solar panels?
      We pride ourselves in transparency and education for our clients. Positive Energy Solar clients should already understand that a grid-tied solar energy system without batteries is designed to turn-off during a utility outage to prevent backfeeding the grid. When power is restored, the solar system will turn itself back on, there is nothing that needs to be done to restore operation. If there is any concern that the solar system is responsible for the power outage (an extremely rare occurrence), a quick way to identify this is to turn off the utility interconnection switch (clearly labeled by the PNM meters) , disabling the solar. If the issue persists, it can be concluded that the solar system is not the cause.
    • What is the proper way to clean my solar panels?

      Solar energy systems in New Mexico don't typically require cleaning, as snow and rain can help clear dust and soil from your home solar PV system. The low production value gained from panel cleaning does not match the cost of hiring a panel washing service in most circumstances. If you wish to have your system washed, please reach out to a panel cleaning service provider in your area or follow these instructions:

      Solar panels can be cleaned with soap and water and any non abrasive scrubber. The Glass on the solar modules is similar to that on your car windshield and should be cleaned in similar ways.

      • Do not use solvents or other highly corrosive materials to clean solar modules.
      • Do not use cold water in the middle of a hot day on your solar modules. This presents the risk of thermal shock to the electronics and the glass and may damage them. Suggestion is to clean in early morning hours or late evening hours or with lukewarm water. Once the solar modules are wet you can use cold water to rinse soap off.
    • What should I do if I suspect my inverter isn't working or I receive an error code?

      If you notice a change in energy production or receive an error message, here are a few things you can check for prior to calling for support:

      • Unusual weather, including prolonged snow coverage, may cause an error message.
      • Look for new sources of shade like a tree that needs trimming, new HVAC unit, or satellite dish.
      • Dirty Panels. While panels typically self-clean with rainfall, a particularly dry season without moisture may begin to accumulate enough dirt to warrant a panel cleaning.
      • Check breakers. The load center is where all of the circuit breakers are located. It is typically found on the side of the house or building or in the garage. Check if any of the breakers are tripped. If yes, flip them on and observe for 24 hours to see if production is back up.
      • Recent Wi-Fi changes. Your monitoring platform typically relies on Wi-Fi communication. If you've recently changed your equipment, network name or password, you'll need to reconnect your system to your Wi-Fi. For Enphase systems, here's a quick and easy how-to video.

      If you are still experiencing issues and require assistance, please submit a service request.

    • Do you provide solar panel removal/reinstall to allow for roof re-shingling, repairs, or renovations? What does it cost?

      Yes! Positive Energy Solar can do solar panel removal & reinstall (R&R) requests on systems that weren't originally installed by us. Rough estimates for residential R&Rs are ~$300 per solar panel plus any needed replacement hardware. For an accurate estimate, please fill out a service request form or contact our service department, and allow 1 week for formal estimate.

    • Does Positive Energy service solar PV systems not installed by Positive Energy?
      Positive Energy Solar accepts requests on systems not originally installed by Positive Energy Solar, on an individual basis. You will be asked to provide system details before we are able to determine if we can provide service. Service on systems not installed by Positive Energy Solar may not be available at all times, and is dictated by resource availability.
    • How much does service cost?

      Systems installed by Positive Energy Solar come with a 30-year warranty and many situations will be covered under warranty and/or diagnosed remotely—Your original purchase agreement will contain the official legal terms of the warranties associated with your solar PV system. Should the need for service arise outside of your warranty, our basic service costs are:

      • Travel: $100/ hr
      • On-site work: $150/ hr
      • Administrative case follow-up (if needed): $75

       Site visits for diagnosis & servicing start at $300 which includes the first 2 hours of travel & labor. Additional labor is charged at hourly rates.

    • Does Positive Energy offer Real Estate or other solar inspections?
      Yes. Positive Energy offers detailed solar inspections for Realtors & home buyers/sellers, regardless of who originally installed the solar panels. Our service area is within an hour of Santa Fe or Albuquerque. Solar inspections start at $500. Contact us for more details and options.

  • General

    • How much does a Positive Energy Solar Energy system cost?

      At Positive Energy Solar, we value honesty when discussing cost and financing. Due to the number of variables that go into creating, building, and installing a custom solar panel installation, an accurate estimate can only be made after analyzing your electric bills and the property your solar panels will be installed at. That’s why we invite everyone interested to call us, fill out the contact form on this site, or visit one of our solar offices conveniently located in Albuquerque and Santa Fe, New Mexico. We’ll give you a quote and answer all of your questions in a no-pressure consultation showing you the numbers, and seeing if solar is a good fit for you!

    • Solar seems like a big project. Why should I spend time and money on solar?
      Electricity rates in New Mexico have increased 50% over the last decade. Investing in solar now protects your business from price volatility by locking in low, predictable electricity rates and even eliminate up to 100% of your energy costs. Adding energy storage can help you power through power outages and keep your operations running smoothly.

      Positive Energy Solar has helped businesses just like yours find the right renewable energy solutions. We take care of everything so that you can focus on what matters most-- your business.
    • Why are high quality solar panels the right choice?

      Going 'cheap' costs you more in the long run. You're paying for an amount of energy your solar system can produce over a period of time - It's important to choose solar panels that can live up to their promise, and continue to generate energy long into the future. Get everything you want with solar panels through Positive Energy Solar - Reliability, Efficiency, Aesthetics, and Flexibility, all backed by the solar industries best 25-year complete confidence warranty (plus 30 year solar insurance included).

    • How can running my business on solar increase my bottom line?
      For any business, finding new sources of capital to reinvest in the company can be difficult. Solar saves your business money that would otherwise be spent on utility bills. The bottom-line benefits are undeniable. 87% of business respondents cite saving money as one of the primary reasons for funding solar projects—with some projected to save hundreds of thousands of dollars (or more) in electricity costs over the life of their commercial solar panel system. That’s money that directly impacts your bottom line.
    • Is durability a factor I should consider when deciding which solar panels to install?

      Yes. Your panels are constantly exposed to the elements and durability is critical. Our solar panels are selected for their industry-low failure rates and durability when holding up to the weather conditions in New Mexico's desert climates. Speak with a solar consultant today to learn more about the solar panels and equipment we choose to install.

    • How can a focus on sustainability help my business grow?
      Choosing to go solar isn’t just a financial decision. It’s an environmental choice. Businesses that cultivate a focus on sustainability are experiencing powerful brand effects. A solar panel system on your business makes a strong statement to your customers. Their relationship with your brand grows. Employees walk just a little bit taller knowing the business they work for is running on clean energy. Study after study shows that sustainability isn’t just good for the planet; it’s good for business.
    • How long will my solar energy system last?

      Our solar products have a 25-year product and power warranty, backed by a 25-year workmanship warranty and come with SolarInsure's 30-year extended insurance coverage. Of course a warranty or guarantee is only good if the company is in business. Our long-term track record of being a stable, reputable company installing solar in New Mexico for over two decades assures you we will be here to take your call when warranty service is required. We service all the equipment we install and make our product recommendations based on your goals and on the quality and reliability of the manufacturers, including their warranty program.

    • If solar is so great, why isn't everyone doing it?
      The truth is, more people are going solar now than ever have before. Over the last ten years, solar has grown at an average annual rate of 68%, and the trend shows no signs of reversing. Fortune 500 companies have installed solar at nearly 2,000 individual project sites nationwide. Top corporate brands like Target, Walmart and Apple are adding solar at an impressive rate, and the influence these brands wield on consumer lives means more people are opting for clean energy of all kinds.
    • How do I know my system will produce according to estimates?

      Solar energy systems are monitored on a regular basis. Monitored systems give real world data and enable Positive Energy Solar to present reliable solar production figures to our clients. Production figures we've accumulated over a number of years, with similar equipment, location, and mounting method, gives us an accurate way to predict the output of your system. Our output projections are also confirmed with property analysis, which includes a Solmetric survey of your home or property's solar access, 3D renderings, and cutting-edge software to predict the most accurate solar production data available.

    • Why should our business go solar now?
      The longer you wait to think about solar, the more it costs your business. Commercial prices for solar have decreased 58% since 2012. However, recent policy decisions suggest we may be nearing the bottom of that downward trajectory. The federal investment tax credit (ITC) for solar is equal to 26% of the amount invested in an eligible installation (e.g., if you invest $100,000 in solar, you could receive a $26,000 tax credit). However, the ITC rate will decrease to 22% in 2023, 10% in 2024, and potentially end altogether. Meantime, electricity prices in New Mexico continue to increase year over year. The sooner you decide to go solar, the more your business can save.
    • Why choose Positive Energy Solar to install my solar panels?

      Superior Quality & Service

      You’ll be working directly with the owners of Positive Energy Solar because we are an employee-owned New Mexico solar company. Our employee-owners have decades of experience, come highly certified, and have a personal stake in your satisfaction and provide superior quality work because of it. You’ll discover a higher level of accountability, greater attention to detail, and better service throughout.

      Reliability

      While the initial installation is crucial, reliable after-sales service is equally important for maximizing your return on investment and ensuring a smooth solar experience. Positive Energy employs a full-time service department ensuring optimal performance, warranty support, and peace-of-mind.

      Satisfaction Guaranteed

      Since 1997, Positive Energy Solar has been providing the highest quality installations by the most experienced and highly certified solar company in New Mexico. Our track record of customer satisfaction is unparalleled, with 100% customer satisfaction delivered to over 5,000 solar installations across New Mexico. We're so confident in our work that we offer the solar industries best 25-year combined product, power, and workmanship warranty in New Mexico, plus a 30-year additional limited warranty through SolarInsure.

      Responsible Business Practices & Greater Impact

      When you choose Positive Energy Solar, you’re amplifying your impact by working with a local, employee-owned, Benefit Corporation. As a New Mexico Benefit Corporation, we run our business to be a force for good, meeting rigorous standards of social and environmental performance, accountability, and transparency.

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