How does New Mexico compare with the national average for a solar panel installation?

Homeowners in New Mexico typically recoup about 29% of the project's cost at resale, versus ~30% nationally. New Mexico is part of the Mountain Census division, which has the 4th-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. divisions.

What most affects the actual return in New Mexico?

Recency and condition. In Roots' model, work under 2 years old counts fully toward resale value, then depreciates toward ~20% after 10 years. A home with a documented maintenance record also typically sells closer to asking. Market conditions in the Mountain division set the regional baseline.

Where do these numbers come from?

Roots calibrates the national baseline for a solar panel installation against the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (Zonda), then applies a Mountain-division adjustment derived from division-level averages in the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, plus the model's own age and condition factors. Figures are modeled estimates, not appraisals.

Is a solar panel installation worth it in New Mexico?

Quick answer: Only partly, in dollar terms. In New Mexico, a solar panel installation typically returns about 29% of its cost at resale, below the ~30% national average. It adds real value, but treat it as an improvement you'll enjoy rather than an investment that pays for itself.

How New Mexico compares

New Mexico is part of the Mountain U.S. Census division, which has the 4th-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 divisions in Roots' valuation model. In practice that means a solar panel installation that returns ~30% of its cost nationally typically returns ~29% for a New Mexico home.

The same regional adjustment applies across the division (New Mexico plus AZ, CO, ID, MT, NV, UT, WY). Nationwide, the spread for this project runs from ~24% in the West North Central division to ~35% in the Pacific division. See the national breakdown for every region.

The Mountain market

The Mountain West has drawn steady in-migration for years, and its housing stock skews newer than the national average. The dry, high-sun climate is gentler on some parts of a home and harder on others: sun exposure ages roofs and finishes, while low humidity spares basements and framing.

Abundant sun makes this one of the most natural solar regions in the country, and hot summers in the desert metros keep cooling costs on buyers' minds.

How other projects return in New Mexico

Project	Typical return in New Mexico
Solar panel installation (this page)	~29%
Wood deck addition	~80%
Bathroom remodel	~71%
Basement remodel	~68%
Window replacement	~64%

Return figures are typical resale-return estimates from Roots' home valuation model. Actual results vary by market, home, and workmanship, and shouldn't be relied on for lending, insurance, or tax decisions.

Sources: national baseline for this project calibrated against the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (Zonda); regional adjustment derived from division-level averages in the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report.

Protect the value you add

Whatever the project returns on paper, condition decides what you actually get: in Roots' model the value of completed work fades as it ages, and a documented maintenance record helps a home sell closer to asking. If you're planning around resale value, start with upkeep. The free maintenance checklist generator builds a seasonal schedule for New Mexico homes in about a minute.

The bottom line

“According to Roots' home valuation model, New Mexico's Mountain region has the 4th-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. Census divisions. A solar panel installation there typically recoups about 29% of its cost, within a nationwide range of ~24% to ~35%.” — Roots home valuation model (regionally adjusted resale-return estimates)

Free tool Keep your home in the condition that holds its value The homes that hold their value are the ones that stay well maintained. Build a free maintenance checklist tuned to your home. It takes about 30 seconds and there is no signup.

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Frequently asked questions

Is a solar panel installation worth it in New Mexico?: Only partly, in dollar terms. In New Mexico, a solar panel installation typically returns about 29% of its cost at resale, below the ~30% national average. It adds real value, but treat it as an improvement you’ll enjoy rather than an investment that pays for itself.
How does New Mexico compare with the national average for a solar panel installation?: Homeowners in New Mexico typically recoup about 29% of the project’s cost at resale, versus ~30% nationally. New Mexico is part of the Mountain Census division, which has the 4th-lowest renovation resale returns of the 9 U.S. divisions.
What most affects the actual return in New Mexico?: Recency and condition. In Roots’ model, work under 2 years old counts fully toward resale value, then depreciates toward ~20% after 10 years. A home with a documented maintenance record also typically sells closer to asking. Market conditions in the Mountain division set the regional baseline.
Where do these numbers come from?: Roots calibrates the national baseline for a solar panel installation against the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report (Zonda), then applies a Mountain-division adjustment derived from division-level averages in the 2024 Cost vs. Value Report, plus the model’s own age and condition factors. Figures are modeled estimates, not appraisals.

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