#USA #Albuquerque #New Mexico #Community Solar #Solstice Power

Community Solar Program Launches in New Mexico

The sunny skies of New Mexico have traditionally been a source of bounty for its residents, and now they bring even more benefits. The newly launched community solar program in New Mexico is poised to revolutionize energy consumption by offering solar power to homeowners and businesses without the need for rooftop installations or switching service providers. This initiative, initiated in 2021, has officially started, following extensive planning involving utilities, solar developers, and advocacy groups.

Advantages of Community Solar

Not only does this program aim to reduce energy bills significantly—by as much as 28%—it also promises broad economic benefits across the state. Research conducted by the University of New Mexico suggests that community solar could create over 3,700 jobs and generate an impressive $517 million in economic impact within its first five years of implementation.

At the heart of community solar lies a straightforward idea: participants subscribe to a share of a local solar farm. This solar farm then feeds clean energy into the grid, and in return, subscribers receive solar credits on their utility bills, ensuring monthly savings.

Solstice and Its Commitment

Solstice, a national leader in community solar, with over 18,000 current subscribers, has opened enrollment for various solar projects throughout New Mexico. By subscribing to this program, individuals can save up to 28% on their electricity costs while supporting locally generated clean energy.

According to Ann Lyn Hall, executive director of Prosperity Works, “We are excited to partner with Solstice to help households connect with community solar. It’s a hassle-free way to save on electricity bills while investing in clean energy right in our communities.”

Simple Enrollment Process

The process to enroll in community solar is designed to be user-friendly and efficient. Interested customers can sign up in just a few minutes online. Once enrolled, they will be linked to a nearby solar farm, and when it becomes operational, they will start receiving discounted solar credits on their monthly electricity bills—no installation or upfront costs involved. Most importantly, property ownership is not a requirement to participate.

To ensure accessibility, New Mexico mandates that at least 30% of the capacity of each community solar project be designated for households with qualifying income levels. For these participating homes, discounts can reach up to 28% on their monthly solar credits. Additionally, about half of each project is reserved for commercial subscribers, who can benefit from a 10% discount. Currently, Solstice is enrolling electricity customers from the Public Service Company of New Mexico (PNM), with plans to include Xcel Energy (SPS) and El Paso Electric (EPE) customers soon.

Getting Started

To check eligibility and reserve a spot, individuals can visit Solstice's New Mexico webpage. Additional information about the Community Solar Program can be found on CS New Mexico's site.

About Solstice Power Technologies

Founded in 2015, Solstice is committed to ensuring that all communities can access and benefit from clean energy. By connecting households and businesses to community solar farms, Solstice enables users to reduce their electricity expenses without any upfront costs or installations. They are also pioneers in inclusive financing solutions, such as the EnergyScore, which enhance community investment in new clean energy projects and environmental justice initiatives. Solstice’s solutions aim to support vulnerable community members and the organizations serving them, ensuring that the benefits of clean energy reach those who need it most.

For more information about Solstice, visit their official site.