Grid Freedom is a reputable solar marketing company that is based in New Jersey, but provides qualified leads for solar installers throughout the nation. Grid Freedom connects contractors with pre-screened homeowners who are ready for on-site evaluations. The company was founded to provide solar contractors with a better lead-buying experience that gives them great ROI.

1. Will Community Solar
Still be Under Threat in
New Mexico?

2. New Mexico has long been at work preparing the launch of a
community solar program. State legislators finally passed The
Community Solar Act back in 2021, which authorizes a three-year
pilot program for community solar projects and requires that 30%
of each system’s energy production be directed to low-income
households.
In addition to providing affordable energy options for underserved
communities, the act’s implementation would bring the state
thousands of jobs and hundreds of millions of dollars in other
economic benefits.

3. Many residents, local leaders, and solar industry figures have
understandably been eager for the program to begin. But the New
Mexico Supreme Court of the Public Regulation Commission
(PRC) has postponed enactment while holding a “stakeholder
process” that gathers feedback from organizations and individuals
that will be impacted by the program. Unsurprisingly, big utility
swept in at the final moment in an attempt to stall the final rule.
Xcel Energy’s Attempt to Stop Community Solar
Southwestern Public Service Company, a subsidiary of Xcel
Energy, filed an appeal that had the potential to drag out the
implementation for years more. It cited a concern for consumer
protections, as well as the reputation of SPS. Though they had
more than a year to issue an appeal, they waited until the tail end
of the feedback window to make their move.
Solar industry representatives harshly rebuked this strategy, citing
the duplicity of Xcel Energy in regard to publicly supporting energy
equality and the expansion of clean power. Beth Beloff, of the
Coalition of Sustainable Communities New Mexico, responded to
the appeal with the following statement:
“Despite years of stakeholder engagement to arrive at the rules
published on July 12, SPS is drawing from its bottomless supply of
ratepayer money to tangle this program in legal delays and
ultimately kill it. Make no mistake about it: this utility’s actions will
hurt the most vulnerable New Mexicans who stand to benefit most
significantly as subscribers…”

4. Consequences of Delay
Xcel Energy has been prioritizing profit over social justice and the
well-being of New Mexico’s citizens. Stalling the program would
only further disadvantage the majority of the population, given that
about 75% are unable to benefit from solar due to being renters or
living in multi-dwelling unit facilities. Community solar is the only
way that these customers can access solar power.
Residents in New Mexico also face a high energy burden (6-16%),
especially those in poverty, who account for almost 20% of the
population. The growing problem of climate change will only put
further strain on these citizens, as well as the state’s power grid.
Were Xcel Energy successful in squashing community solar, it
would recklessly exacerbate the issue.

5. The Roadblock Appeal: Denied
Thankfully, the court has denied the SPS appeal and opened the
door for community solar projects to begin. However, the pilot
program will only last three years, and the actions of Xcel Energy
have made it clear that efforts to renew or expand it will receive
staunch opposition once the time comes.
Community solar has a long, hard road ahead in its quest to
become an integral part of New Mexico’s energy infrastructure. The
courts can expect to see much more legal action in the future as
Xcel Energy and other utility companies fight to retain their
revenues.

6. What Does This Mean for Solar Panel Lead Generation?
This means that contractors who are seeking installation deals
should not count on community solar is a strong, steady source of
income for a long time. They will need to prioritize other avenues
of finding business, such as agencies that deliver quality residential
leads.
Many contractors are teaming up with Grid Freedom to develop a
secure supply of customers from the 25% of New Mexico’s
residents who are free to install solar. Our specialists work
diligently to attract interested homeowners and screen for those
who are fully prepared to install. All leads are delivered exclusively,
with no competitors given access at all. Contractors also enjoy
contract-free terms and no quantity or price minimums.
Find Solar Panel Leads in New Mexico at www.GridFreedom.com