A major solar project is set to begin construction in Arenas Valley, New Mexico, later this year, potentially marking the first of its kind under the Community Solar Act. Pluma LLC, an Albuquerque-based construction company, will develop the solar farm, located on 160 acres of state-leased land near Racetrack Road in Grant County. Pluma’s project is one of six selected in the recent bid for land leases conducted by the New Mexico State Land Office.

In addition to the Arenas Valley project, Pluma LLC has secured other leases for community solar projects in Hidalgo and Doña Ana counties. Other winning bidders include US Solar, with projects in Doña Ana and Valencia counties, and SunShare, which secured a lease for a solar farm in Roosevelt County.

These projects are part of the state’s ongoing efforts to fulfill the initial 200-megawatt capacity established by the Community Solar Act in 2001, with the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (PRC) expanding that cap to 300 megawatts last year. Four projects, already under construction in Tularosa, Clovis, and Belen, will collectively produce 16 megawatts of energy.

Chris Pacheco, owner of Pluma LLC, stated that the Grant County solar farm will aim to have 40 percent of its subscribers from low- to medium-income households, exceeding the state’s requirement of 30 percent. The project is expected to deliver considerable savings to customers, who will receive credits on their utility bills. Information on subscribing can be found at plucys.com/solar-energy.

“This will be our first large-scale solar project,” Pacheco explained, noting that his company has previously focused on general contracting and electrical work, primarily within the public sector. “We work very closely with Sandia National Labs...we’re actually one of their protégés. Sandia’s leadership in renewable energy made this a logical step for us.”

The planned 5-megawatt solar farm will consist of approximately 9,000 solar panels, and Pacheco hopes to begin construction by late 2025, with a completion target of early 2026. The project will hire local workers in compliance with the Community Solar Act, which mandates the use of New Mexico-based construction companies.

Pacheco emphasized the tax credits associated with community solar projects, stating, “The value of community solar comes in the tax credits. If we went and self-developed projects, we wouldn’t have the tax credits associated with community solar.”

Though concerns about potential changes in federal policy remain, Pacheco expressed confidence that community solar projects will remain viable. “From my perspective, the concern’s probably less about community solar, because there’s no direct government funding,” he said. “The incentive is the tax credits. These are all private dollars that are building these sites.”

Future community solar projects in New Mexico will depend on available land. “New Mexico is rated No. 2 for sun in the U.S., so it’s largely a matter of finding large, flat pieces of ground that we could put solar on,” Pacheco added.

Additionally, another 2.25-megawatt community solar project is planned for Grant County, with PPC New Energy LLC serving as the subscriber organization. However, the developer, New Energy Equity, has not yet responded to inquiries for more information.

This solar project is part of New Mexico’s broader commitment to renewable energy and sustainability, helping meet the state’s clean energy goals. The ongoing success of community solar projects, especially those incorporating low-income subscribers, highlights the growing importance of equitable access to solar power. Pluma LLC’s collaboration with Sandia National Labs further strengthens its commitment to pushing the boundaries of clean energy technologies in the region.

New Mexico’s vast land availability, especially in areas with consistent sunlight, presents ideal opportunities for further expansion of solar power generation. As the state continues to develop solar energy infrastructure, the economic benefits, including job creation and energy savings for residents, are expected to increase significantly.

Originally reported by Juno Ogle in Silver City Daily Press.