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New Mexico's First Community Solar Project Now Online, Bringing Savings to Low-Income Residents

The Cuidando Los Niños Community Solar Project is a game-changer for low-income communities. After regulatory hurdles, New Mexico's first community solar project is now online, bringing clean energy and savings to residents.

This is a picture. In this image we can see some text, buildings, water, roof, poles, tents, grass,...
This is a picture. In this image we can see some text, buildings, water, roof, poles, tents, grass, ground, trees.

New Mexico's First Community Solar Project Now Online, Bringing Savings to Low-Income Residents

New Mexico's first community solar project has come online, marking a significant milestone in the state's renewable energy journey. The Cuidando Los Niños Community Solar Project in Belen, a five-megawatt facility, has begun operation, promising substantial savings on electricity bills for some customers.

The project, developed by Affordable Solar in partnership with Gridworks, sits on a 32-acre site. It's expected to generate at least 30% of its energy for low-income communities, a significant step towards energy equity.

The path to this achievement hasn't been smooth. Regulatory setbacks and legal challenges have delayed the launch of community solar projects. However, the successful commissioning of this project signals a turning point.

New Mexico's Community Solar Act, passed in 2021, paved the way for small-scale solar farms. Over the next 12 to 18 months, the majority of the 47 approved projects are expected to be energized, benefiting tens of thousands of customers.

Customers can opt into the program to receive monthly credits on their electric bills based on the solar energy produced by their portion of the facility. The first round of bill credits is expected in November.

The Cuidando Los Niños Community Solar Project is more than just a power plant; it's a symbol of New Mexico's commitment to affordable, renewable news. With more projects on the horizon, the state is poised to become a leader in community solar, bringing clean news and savings to residents and businesses alike.

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