Albuquerque, NM Solar Energy: Panel Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Adopted code
- 2012 New Mexico Solar Energy Code
- Permitting authority
- Building Safety Division, Planning Department
- Code effective date
- November 1, 2015
- Criminal penalty
- Up to $500 fine, 90 days jail
- Civil fine
- $200-$500 per uncured violation
Summary
Solar panel and photovoltaic installations must meet the city's adopted 2012 New Mexico Solar Energy Code, with permits administered by the Building Safety Division of the Planning Department.
For the purpose of prescribing minimum standards regulating construction and maintenance of buildings and structures, including all building service equipment, and installations within the city, the following codes are adopted: ... (J) The 2012 New Mexico Solar Energy Code as adopted by the Construction Industries Division of the State of New Mexico with an effective date of November 1, 2015;
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-95: Current through Ordinance 2026-010, passed 4-6-2026).
Full Breakdown
Albuquerque folds solar and photovoltaic work into its Uniform Construction Codes: § 14-1-3(J) adopts the 2012 New Mexico Solar Energy Code as a mandatory technical code for the city, alongside the residential and commercial building, electrical, and mechanical codes it adopts in the same section. The Building Safety Division of the Planning Department administers these codes for the construction, alteration, and installation of building service equipment under § 14-1-6, meaning a rooftop or ground-mount solar array goes through the same plan review, permit, and inspection process as other building service equipment. Skipping the permit exposes an installer or homeowner to a misdemeanor charge plus escalating civil fines under § 14-1-99.
Violations & Fines
Working without the required permit is a misdemeanor punishable by up to a $500 fine and 90 days in jail, plus civil fines of $200-$500 per uncured violation under § 14-1-99.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to install solar panels in Albuquerque?
Which city department reviews solar permit applications?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Albuquerque
Compare Albuquerque to another location·View the New Mexico solar energy overview
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