Welcome to the New Mexico Community Solar Program’s Consumer Protection Resources Hub

This page has important information for New Mexico customers considering signing up for Community Solar. Enrolling in Community Solar is a great way to help New Mexico’s transition to clean energy and support the solar workforce! With the right offer, Community Solar can also save you money on your electricity costs!

Step 1

Learn about Community Solar

Step 2

Review Consumer Documents

Step 3

Learn about offers for low-income customers

Step 4

Compare offers

Tips to Protect Yourself

Learn what to watch out for!

Concerns?

Learn how the Program Administrator can help

Dear New Mexico Residents,

We are honored to oversee the New Mexico Community Solar Program, a transformative initiative that brings numerous benefits to residents like you while paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future.

Your safety, satisfaction, and well-being are our top priorities within the New Mexico Community Solar Program. If you ever have any concerns or encounter anything that doesn’t feel right regarding your community solar subscription, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We are here to provide the necessary support and assistance. Additionally, we encourage you to report any instances of inappropriate behavior or concerns to us promptly. Maintaining a safe and respectful program environment is paramount, and your feedback is crucial in achieving that goal. Please review the information on this page to learn more about what to look out for, and how to protect yourself from common issues.

Some important things to keep in mind:

  • No community solar organizations have been approved by us or endorsed by the state of New Mexico. Yep, you heard it right. Certain community solar projects have been awarded capacity in the program, but they don’t represent the Program Administrator, the state of New Mexico, the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission, or any of the utilities in the state. If anyone tells you otherwise, don’t hesitate to let us know. We’re all about squashing those false claims and setting the record straight!
  • Community Solar companies are required to provide you with program documents (head to our Consumer Documents section below). These documents are there to protect you, so they must be provided to you and get your signature on the Disclosure Form BEFORE you sign any subscription agreement. If any company fails to provide you with these documents, please report them to us! We’re all about keeping things fair and square.
  • Community Solar companies may offer extra discounts to low-income residents. To receive additional savings, you may need to provide verification of your income status. If you have any questions about this process or need assistance, reach out to us. We’re here to help you navigate the ins and outs of the Program!

We want to take a moment to thank you for your participation in the New Mexico Community Solar Program. Together, we’re making a huge impact and building a brighter, greener future for the state.

Keep shining bright!

The New Mexico Community Solar Program Administrator

Review Consumer Documents

When it comes to making an informed decision about a Community Solar subscription, we want to provide you with the transparency and tools you need to make the best decision for you! That’s why we’ve created a lineup of consumer documents that solar companies are required to give you during the sales process.   

Program Flyer

First is the Program Flyer—a comprehensive overview of Community Solar. This informative piece will guide you through the basics of community solar and provide important things to consider when evaluating community solar offers.

Program Flyer – English

Program Flyer – Spanish

Disclosure Form

Next up is the Disclosure Form— This document concisely presents key details about the community solar offer, the project, potential savings, cancellation terms, and the size of your subscription. Think of it as your trusty companion for comparing various Community Solar options and finding the perfect fit for your needs.

Disclosure Form Appendix

Finally, the Disclosure Form Appendix – This resource explains the different types of companies that are involved in your community solar subscription and provides you with contact information for any questions you may have about your subscription.

Before you sign a Community Solar Subscription Agreement, make sure you receive and thoroughly review these documents.

We take your protection and access to accurate information seriously. Should you encounter an offer without these documents or come across modified versions please immediately report this information to the Program Administrator.

Low-Income Customers

The New Mexico Community Solar Program prioritizes making community solar accessible to everyone, including low-income households. The program mandates that a minimum of 30% of each community solar project is subscribed by low-income consumers.

Low-income eligibility is defined as having a household income below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). If you qualify for other state or federal programs you may already qualify! If you are part of programs like Medicaid, SNAP, LIHEAP, a first-time homeowner initiative, a housing rehabilitation program, or if you live in a low-income/affordable housing facility, or if you qualify for state and federal income tax programs, you can pre-qualify as low-income.

Some solar energy providers may offer special discounts for community solar to low-income customers. If you think you qualify as low-income, it’s a great idea to compare prices and ask different providers if they have even better offers for your solar subscription.

To ensure fairness and prevent any misuse, the program requires income verification for low-income participation. This means that organizations may ask for proof of your income.

If you ever have any questions or concerns about the income verification process or if you feel someone is asking for information they shouldn’t, don’t hesitate to reach out to the Program Administrator. We’re here to assist you and ensure that everything is done properly and fairly.

Compare Offers

Choosing the right community solar offer can be a bit overwhelming. But fear not! We’ve created a guide to help you navigate the process and find the absolute best deal for you.

It’s essential to compare offers and ask the right questions. That’s why we’ve put together a guide for you. By comparing offers, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and the best deal that suits your needs.

Tips to Protecting Yourself when Shopping for a Community Solar Subscription

When exploring a community solar subscription offer, it’s important to be vigilant and take steps to safeguard your personal information and financial security. Here are some key points to keep in mind: 

  1. Personalized Savings Examples: Request personalized savings examples from the community solar provider that reflect your specific energy needs, billing preferences, and usage patterns. This will help you assess the potential financial benefits accurately.
  2. Beware of High-Pressure Sales Tactics: Be cautious of aggressive or pushy sales tactics. Legitimate community solar providers should focus on providing transparent information and answering your questions, rather than pressuring you into making an immediate decision.
  3. Avoid Misrepresentation: Be aware of any misrepresentation of organization, facts, or false promises. Ensure that the community solar offer aligns with the representations made by the provider. If something seems too good to be true, it’s important to investigate further.
  4. Research the Provider: Take the time to research the community solar provider. Look for reviews, ratings, and customer experiences to gauge their reputation and credibility. Trusted sources like the Better Business Bureau or online review platforms can provide valuable insights. Check our list of accepted projects to verify the project they are advertising is a part of the New Mexico Community Solar Program.
  5. Protect Your Personal Information: Never share sensitive information like email passwords or utility account passwords with anyone claiming to represent a community solar program. Legitimate providers will not require this information. Additionally, ensure that any online transactions or credit card payments are made through secure portals to protect your financial data.

Remember, your security and peace of mind are paramount. Take the necessary precautions to verify information, protect your personal information, and make informed decisions. By staying vigilant, you can confidently navigate the community solar landscape and reap the benefits of clean energy while safeguarding your interests. 

Concerns?

If you have any concerns or questions regarding your community solar subscription or any sales activities, please do not hesitate to reach out to the New Mexico Community Solar Program Administrator at admin@csnewmexico.com. Your feedback helps us insure companies are playing by the rules!  

It’s important to note that the subscriber agreement is a contract between you and the Subscriber Organization or Subscription Manager. As the Program Administrator, we are not a party to the contract and therefore cannot offer advice on the specific terms outlined within it.