#United States #Community Solar #Solstice Power #Curry County #Clovis

Curry County Embraces Solar Energy for a Sustainable Future

In a groundbreaking move, Curry County in rural New Mexico has taken significant strides toward sustainability. A decade ago, the prospect of city buildings harnessing solar power seemed like a far-off dream, but now, it is a reality thanks to the efforts of Solstice Power Technologies LLC. This leading community solar provider has facilitated the enrollment of ten municipal buildings in a state-sponsored community solar program, aimed at reducing energy costs and emissions while promoting environmental leadership across the county.

Leading by Example
Curry County has become a trailblazer in the state, standing out as the first county to participate in this innovative initiative. Collectively, the ten enrolled buildings consume over 2.4 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity annually. By switching to community solar, the county will achieve substantial environmental impacts equivalent to taking 400 gasoline-powered cars off the roads, avoiding over 1,700 metric tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year, and planting nearly 29,000 trees — all without the burden of installing solar panels or incurring additional taxpayer expenses.

Harnessing Shared Solar Energy
The concept of community solar allows organizations like Curry County to subscribe to a collective solar project. Participants receive credits on their electricity bills for the output generated by local solar farms. This method not only supports local renewable energy production but also leads to cost reductions on electricity bills. As County Manager Lance Pyle remarked, “By enrolling our municipal buildings in community solar, we're taking action to lead by example.” He emphasized the benefits of going green without the cumbersome infrastructure changes that often accompany such initiatives, allowing the county to allocate funds more effectively.

A Model for Other Municipalities
Curry County’s participation is not just about immediate savings; it also aligns with New Mexico’s broader objectives for clean energy. Municipalities can often face challenges in transitioning to renewable energy, but the community solar model offers a pragmatic solution that supports local economies. Michael Meade, Partnership Development Manager at Solstice, echoed this sentiment, stating that community solar is a powerful resource for local governments looking to reduce their carbon footprints while demonstrating commitment to sustainability.

For Curry County, active participation in this program signals a new era in energy management and responsibility. By joining forces with Solstice, the county serves as a positive example, inspiring other localities to follow suit in adopting clean energy practices.

Solstice's Mission and Community Engagement
Founded in 2015, Solstice Power Technologies aims to make clean energy accessible to every community. Aside from facilitating community solar participation, Solstice is dedicated to innovative financing solutions and offers programs like Community Benefit Renewable Energy Credits (RECs). These initiatives aim to generate funding for new clean energy projects and promote environmental justice efforts, predominantly benefitting under-resourced communities.

As Curry County moves forward, its journey into community solar stands as a testament to what is achievable when local governments commit to sustainable practices. The county not only enhances its operational efficiency but also fosters a more sustainable environment for its residents and future generations. By embracing community solar, Curry County is not just saving money; it is leading a movement towards cleaner, greener energy within New Mexico and beyond.