Council moves to prioritize residential solar permits before 2026 tax-credit expiration

The Albuquerque City Council unanimously approved R194 on Oct. 20, a resolution directing city staff to prioritize residential solar permits through the end of 2025 so installations can qualify for federal residential solar tax credits that expire on Jan. 1, 2026.

Councilor Joaquín Baca, sponsor of the resolution, said constituents and solar industry stakeholders raised concerns that permitting backlogs could prevent homeowners who contracted for solar this year from claiming expiring tax credits. Planning Department staff told the council they recently implemented a "solar express" permitting system; the department said it can instantly issue roof-mounted solar permits up to 50 megawatts and currently estimates a 5–10 day turnaround on other solar permits.

Council questions focused on execution and timing. Planning staff said the express system is already active and that permits are being auto-issued; the effective date of the council resolution depends on signature timing. The council approved R194 and praised interdepartmental work to streamline permits. Councilors noted the resolution was modeled in part on prior fast-track housing-permit efforts.

Ending: City planning staff said they will prioritize and process eligible residential solar permits and will provide follow-up to council on throughput and any remaining bottlenecks.