First-ever community solar plant opens in Valencia County
The first-ever community solar plant is now open in Valencia County. That means more clean solar energy coming to New Mexicans without having to break the bank.
VALENCIA COUNTY, N.M. — The first-ever community solar plant is now open in Valencia County.
A 30-acre site with more than 14,000 solar panels makes up, the Cuidando Los Niños community solar project in Valencia County, the first project since the community solar act passed in 2021.
“These projects, people get to subscribe, and it’s not only about the environmental benefits that we’re providing by having a solar project here, it’s also about real savings for households in need,” said Dylan Connelly, the director of Commercial Solar Development with Affordable Solar.
He says the plant will pump power into the local grid, which lands on PNM territory. But what exactly does that mean for New Mexicans?
“50% of the power is me dedicated to low-income subscribers. And low-income subscribers are gonna be able to save about 18% of their electric bill, no credit checks. Just subscribe and get credit savings on their electric bills,” said Connelly.
Travis Kellerman, the senior climate policy advisor for the governor, says instead of costing you a fortune, it won’t cost you a dime.
“We can have low cost, clean energy available for every household in New Mexico, regardless of their income, it’s no longer a rich person’s game. It’s no longer a privileged way to show that you’re supporting climate or climate change,” said Connelly.
Connelly says all of it is sourced right here in New Mexico.
“We are the New Mexico developer. We partnered with Gridworks, our sister company. New Mexico-based builder, to build these projects, and we’re going to own them long term in New Mexico. So, they’re developed, built and owned long term by New Mexicans, for New Mexicans,” said Connelly.
The Cuidando Los Niños community solar project is one of seven plants they are trying to turn on this year.
To qualify for community solar, you have to be at 80% of the median income of the local area and have to pay your electricity bill with PNM. You can find more information here.