In a significant move for renewable energy in New Mexico, Affordable Solar has begun construction on the state’s first community solar project, marking a key milestone in expanding access to clean energy. The Cuidando Los Niños Community Solar Project, located in Valencia County, will play a pivotal role in broadening renewable energy access for New Mexico residents and contributing to the state's sustainability goals.

This community solar project is the result of a partnership with Albuquerque-based Gridworks, a prominent engineering, procurement, and construction firm. The name of the project honors Cuidando Los Niños, a non-profit organization that focuses on supporting children and families facing homelessness. The project is designed to provide renewable energy to the community while advancing social equity and sustainability initiatives in New Mexico.

The foundation for these types of projects was laid by the passage of the Community Solar Act (SB84) in April 2021. This law allows electric utility customers to subscribe to energy produced by renewable facilities of less than 5 megawatts (MW), enabling them to offset their energy bills with credits from the energy generated by these community solar projects. This approach is particularly beneficial for individuals, businesses, and non-profits that are unable to install their own solar systems, thus making renewable energy more accessible to a broader audience.

A standout feature of the Cuidando Los Niños Community Solar Project is its focus on social equity. The project is designed to allocate half of its energy output to reduce electricity costs for qualified low-income households, ensuring that renewable energy benefits are distributed fairly and equitably across different economic groups. This commitment to inclusivity ensures that those who may have previously been excluded from accessing clean energy solutions can now benefit from lower energy costs and a more sustainable future.

Affordable Solar has secured a total of seven community solar projects, aggregating 35 MW of capacity. These projects are expected to offset the energy consumption of approximately 15,000 homes, which will significantly contribute to New Mexico’s clean energy goals. The projects represent a major leap forward in the state’s efforts to expand its renewable energy infrastructure and meet its long-term sustainability targets.

Dylan Connelly, Project Developer at Affordable Solar, expressed excitement and pride in the project's commencement: “After nearly four years of hard work, we are ecstatic to begin construction on this historic project and to play a role in bringing renewable energy to communities across New Mexico. This project not only reflects our commitment to clean energy but also highlights our dedication to giving back to the communities where we live and work.”

In keeping with its focus on community engagement, Affordable Solar has also committed financial support to Cuidando Los Niños. Upon receiving the project award, the company made an initial donation to the organization and has pledged a more substantial contribution upon the project’s expected completion in early summer 2025.

With this groundbreaking project, Affordable Solar continues to demonstrate its leadership in driving the growth of community-based renewable energy solutions, while also supporting social causes that help uplift the most vulnerable members of New Mexico’s communities.

Originally reported by Derek Markham in Clean Technica.