NM solar industry grew in 2020, despite COVID
But companies face growing pains as industry gains momentum
The coronavirus impacted New Mexico’s solar companies in different ways, slowing growth for some while creating new opportunities for others.
Most emerged from the pandemic stronger than before. But now, with a new solar boom underway, companies are facing new challenges that reflect the growing pains of an industry on the rise.
Nearly all local solar firms felt the pinch of COVID when the economy virtually shut down in April and May. But by summer, the industry got an unexpected boost from quarantined homeowners who plowed extra savings and stimulus dollars into home-improvement projects. And with cooped up families blasting their air conditioners, appliances and electronic devices, many homeowners took a fresh look at going solar to offset escalating electric bills, said Jim DesJardins, executive director of New Mexico’s Renewable Energy Industry Association.
“When COVID hit, I thought ‘there goes the industry for awhile,’ but the pandemic had almost an adverse effect,” DesJardins said. “The impact was unpredictable, with winners and losers. But in general, I believe the solar industry benefitted in its own way, much like the homeimprovement and construction industries did.”
Residential boom
Companies on the winning side doubled down on residential installations in 2020.
New Mexico Solar Group president and CEO Nick Kadlec said it was “wild year,” but a good one.
annual maximum accrual). Therefore, private employer federal contractors may also need to update their policies in order to comply.
Anti-retaliation measures
Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the act contains strict anti-retaliation provisions prohibiting any adverse employment action associated with employees’ use of earned sick leave. Management employees should be trained on the provisions of the act to avoid violations. Cristin Heyns-Bousliman, Esq., is Principal and Practice Leader of REDW’s Human Resources Consulting group. REDW is headquartered in Albuquerque and has offices in Phoenix and Edmond, Oklahoma. HeynsBousliman’s experience includes human resources management and strategy, employee relations and engagement, and compensation and benefits. As a former litigation attorney specializing in employment law, HeynsBousliman has an in-depth legal understanding of federal and state employment laws. The executive’s desk is a guest column providing advice, commentary or information about resources available to the business community in New Mexico. To submit a column for consideration, email gporter@abqjournal.com.