New Mexico / Local permit guide
Albuquerque Solar Permit Guide
Your local requirements. The official sources. A clearer next step.
- Permit authority
- City of Albuquerque, Planning Department, Building Safety DivisionSource linked
- Electric utility
- Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM)Source linked
- Local pathway
- City of Albuquerque Roof/Ground Mounted Solar Building PermitProject-specific eligibility conditions apply.
- Review time
- Up to 3 business daysOnly the stated upper bound is verified. The source's project scope and conditions apply.See source scope and conditions below.
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Your permit path,
at a glance.
This shows what GridPermit has verified for Albuquerque. It does not show the status of a specific project.
- 01Permit authorityCity of Albuquerque, Planning Department, Building Safety DivisionAuthority sourced
- 02DocumentsChecklist includes conditional itemsConditions apply
- 03InspectionInspection guidance for AlbuquerqueSteps sourced
- 04Utility & PTOPublic Service Company of New Mexico (PNM)Utility path sourced
01 / Know your path
Two approvals.
One project.
Permit & inspection
City of Albuquerque, Planning Department, Building Safety Division
Local requirementsA local permit and utility permission to operate are different approvals. Check the local sequence and requirements below.
How to read this guide
GridPermit collects New Mexico residential solar and permitting facts directly from official sources (city, county, and state government sites, utilities, and public utilities commissions) and shows only what we can verify, with a confidence score and a link to where it came from. Nothing here is estimated or inferred beyond what's stated below. See our methodology for the rules this page follows.
Permit timeline
Up to 3 business days
Only the stated upper bound is verified. The source's project scope and conditions apply.
Per the City's own Solar Resources page, under its 'Permitting' commitments: 'Processing small rooftop solar PV permit applications in less than 3 business days.'
Sources & confidence
Battery/solar incentive program on record
New Mexico New Solar Market Development Tax Credit (NSMDTC) — Battery System
Statewide New Mexico income tax credit covering a qualifying solar thermal or PV system AND a paired battery system: 10% of equipment, materials, and labor costs, up to $6,000 total per taxpayer (the cap is shared across the solar+battery system, not $6,000 for each separately). Applications are reviewed first-come-first-served against a $30 million annual statewide aggregate cap. In effect for systems installed 2025 through 2031. Transferable for systems installed since Jan 1, 2022.
Status on file: active. Verify current status before relying on this.
Sources & confidence
02 / Prepare your application
What you need.
Sources & confidence
Permit fees
Some supporting official material could not be independently confirmed from the full source in GridPermit's latest review. Verify the current requirement with the authority before relying on it.
Not yet verified.
Rebates on record
Rebates on record
New Mexico New Solar Market Development Tax Credit (NSMDTC) — Solar Thermal/PV System
Statewide New Mexico income tax credit: 10% of the equipment, materials, and labor costs of a solar thermal or PV system, up to $6,000 per taxpayer. First-come-first-served against a $30 million annual statewide aggregate cap. In effect for systems installed 2025 through 2031. Transferable for systems installed since Jan 1, 2022. Required application documents include proof of property ownership, an itemized cost invoice, a Building Code Inspection report (permit number and passing inspection date), and system site plan/wiring diagrams.
Status on file: active. Verify current status before relying on this.
Sources & confidence
Utility and generation supplier
Utility
Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM)
Some supporting official material could not be independently confirmed from the full source in GridPermit's latest review. Verify the current requirement with the authority before relying on it.
Sources & confidence
Generation supplier
Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) (utility)
Customers choose between net metering and/or Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) sales via a 'Small Solar' application and interconnection agreement. New Mexico's Small Solar Interconnection and Net Metering Rules are codified at NMPRC Rule 17.9.568, used together with PNM's own New Mexico Interconnection Manual. Interconnection Requests are submitted to PNM via PowerClerk with an appropriate processing fee/deposit. Some supporting official material could not be independently confirmed from the full source in GridPermit's latest review. Verify the current requirement with the authority before relying on it.
Sources & confidence
Interconnection
Some supporting official material could not be independently confirmed from the full source in GridPermit's latest review. Verify the current requirement with the authority before relying on it.
Inspection steps
- The City offers dedicated inspection APPOINTMENT TIMES for solar projects, rather than general appointment windows, per the City's own Solar Resources page
Sources & confidence
Eligibility constraints
- Property types: residential, commercial
- Max system size (AC): Not yet verified.
- Max system size (DC): Not yet verified.
- Max thermal capacity: Not yet verified.
- Program/pathway: City of Albuquerque Roof/Ground Mounted Solar Building Permit
- Other conditions:
- Both a building permit and an electrical permit are required; the electrical permit must be pulled by a licensed contractor
- Historic Preservation District approval is a required pre-requisite for the building permit application if the property is within such a district
- The City has been awarded SolSmart Gold designation for solar-friendly permitting best practices
- New Mexico Community Solar Act (statewide, reusable statewide fact): reserves at least 30% of community solar project power for low-income households or low-income-serving organizations; interested PNM-territory customers must select from the state's awarded Community Solar project list
Sources & confidence
Official contacts
Official contacts
- City of Albuquerque Building and Safety Division, phone: 505-924-3320, email: sustainability@cabq.gov, official website
Need a solar installer who handles permits in Albuquerque?
EnergySage is an independent solar marketplace where you can request property-specific pricing from installers familiar with local permitting.
Compare quotes from solar installers →You'll continue on EnergySage's website. GridPermit links to EnergySage as an independent third-party resource. This link is not currently tracked for compensation.
Official sources
Official sources
- Solar Resources, City of Albuquerque, Environmental Health Department / Sustainability (government). Accessed 2026-08-12.
- New Solar Market Development Tax Credit (NSMDTC), New Mexico Energy, Minerals and Natural Resources Department (EMNRD) (program_administrator). Accessed 2026-08-13.
- Roof Mounted Solar Checklist (Building Permit Submittal Checklist for Photovoltaic Systems), City of Albuquerque, Planning Department, Building and Safety (government). Accessed 2026-08-12.
Frequently Asked Questions
What utility serves solar customers in Albuquerque, New Mexico?
Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM) is the interconnection and distribution utility for Albuquerque. The same utility is also listed as the default electricity generation supplier.
How long does a residential solar permit take in Albuquerque?
Per the City's own Solar Resources page, under its 'Permitting' commitments: 'Processing small rooftop solar PV permit applications in less than 3 business days.' Only the stated upper bound is verified. The source's project scope and conditions apply.
What documents are required for a solar permit in Albuquerque?
Commonly required documents include: Two complete sets of plans meeting the Building Permit Submittal Checklist; Completed Building Permit Application; Scaled, legible Site Plan (property address, building footprint, north arrow, PV array configuration, supporting equipment/sub-panels/main service location, dimensions and clearances); Framing plan showing PV installation layout on existing roof framing members; Existing roof information (roofing type, number of roof coverings) and proposed roof-penetration weatherproofing method; Manufacturer's specifications and installation instructions for all PV modules, inverter(s), combiner box, disconnects, and mounting system(s); New Mexico-licensed engineer's stamped review of the existing roof structure; Electrical one-line diagram (three-line diagram if system exceeds 10 kW); New Mexico-licensed electrical engineer's stamped design; Albuquerque Fire Department site plan (access pathways, array/disconnect/signage locations) and elevation views (array placement, ridgelines/eave lines, roof obstructions).
Who do I contact about solar permits in Albuquerque?
City of Albuquerque Building and Safety Division, phone 505-924-3320, email sustainability@cabq.gov.