New Mexico approves solar accountability, transparency bill

New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez recently signed into law the Distributed Generation Consumer
Protection act, which requires solar installers to disclose certain information to their customers.

The new law spells out information and contract obligations that solar installers must disclose to rooftop solar owners and lessees. The bill also mandates that solar customers consult with tax experts and their utility companies for guidance associated with solar installation.

Rep. Debbie Rodella (D-NM) and Sen. Clemente Sanchez (D-NM) introduced the bill in the House and Senate, respectively.

Reactions from the energy industry have varied. Some praised the increased protections for consumers.

“We applaud the overwhelming bipartisan support by the New Mexico House and Senate who approved a bill that would hold solar installers to the same level of accountability as other businesses across the state,” Consumer Energy Alliance President David Holt said. “It is also a win for families and businesses who own or lease or who are looking to own or lease solar equipment.”

Others expressed concern that the requirements may be unnecessary and harm the solar industry in the state.

“They are trying to slow down distributed generation [of solar] because it’s competing with their [utilities’] existing assets,” Ben Shelton, a lobbyist for Conservation Voters New Mexico, said.