Plug-in solar in New Mexico: Bill failed or died

Plug-in solar in New Mexico

Bill failed or died Checked November 10, 2026

Note. Some details on this page are confirmed on official sources and some are not; see the notes.

New Mexico Senate Bill 157 was referred to the Senate Committees' Committee and two more committees on January 26, 2026 and did not pass during the 30-day session.

Bills

Bill	Stage	Last action	Dates
SB 157 Use of Portable Solar Generation Devices	Died when the session ended	Sent to SCC - Referrals: SCC/SJC/STBTC (January 26, 2026)	Session ended: Unknown

Not confirmed on an official calendar: we could not locate the 2026 journals on nmlegis.gov. The New Mexico Constitution limits even-year sessions to 30 days, and the bill had no action after its January 26, 2026 referral.

The rules

New Mexico has no enacted plug-in solar law. There are no state rules to list; your utility's interconnection rules apply.

What's next

Trackers say the bill and two study memorials were postponed indefinitely. A new bill would be needed in 2027.

What could it save?

For an 800 W panel kit at New Mexico's average residential price of 15.31¢/kWh (September 2025 – August 2026 (12 months)):

Ideal tilt (20°, south): 1,417 kWh a year: about $150 typical (69% used at home), up to $217 best case (100%)
Vertical railing (90°, south): 913 kWh a year: about $96 typical (69% used at home), up to $140 best case (100%)

"Typical" uses HTW Berlin's model for an 800 W system without a battery; exports are assumed to earn nothing. Solar data: NREL PVWatts for Santa Fe (capital). Try your own numbers · Is it worth it? · Railing vs tilted

Price source: EIA residential average, September 2025 – August 2026 (12 months).

Questions

Is plug-in solar legal in New Mexico?

New Mexico has no plug-in solar law. Without one, small plug-in systems fall under your utility's own interconnection rules. Ask your utility before you connect anything.

This page is general information, not legal or electrical advice. Laws change and utilities differ. Check the linked official sources, your lease or HOA rules, and your utility before you buy or install anything. Full disclaimer.