Affordable Solar Launches Cuidando Los Niños Solar Project

Construction has officially commenced on New Mexico’s first community solar project, a landmark initiative spearheaded by Affordable Solar in Valencia County. The project, named in honor of the non-profit Cuidando Los Niños, which supports families experiencing homelessness, represents a significant step forward in the state’s renewable energy landscape.

A New Era with Affordable Solar Launches Cuidando Los Niños Solar Project

Located in Belen on a 30-acre site, the 5 MW Cuidando Los Niños project features over 14,000 solar panels and is the first of seven community solar installations planned by Affordable Solar for 2025. This portfolio, totaling 35 MW, is expected to offset the energy consumption of approximately 15,000 homes. The initiative is a direct result of New Mexico’s Community Solar Act (SB84), passed in 2021 to democratize access to clean energy. The program allows utility customers to subscribe to shared solar generation facilities and receive credits on their electricity bills, removing the need for individual rooftop solar panels.

Prioritizing Community as Affordable Solar Launches Cuidando Los Niños Solar Project

A core mission of the project is to ensure equitable access to solar power. Half of the energy generated is specifically reserved for low-income subscribers, defined as PNM customers with household incomes at or below 80% of the area median income. This allocation is projected to serve around 1,200 low-income households, offering them tangible savings on their monthly energy costs through no-fee subscriptions. In line with its community focus, Affordable Solar has also committed a $45,000 donation to its non-profit partner, Cuidando Los Niños.

“After nearly four years of hard work, we are ecstatic to begin construction on this historic project,” stated Dylan Connelly, Project Developer at Affordable Solar. “Community solar is about more than just clean energy; it’s about putting people first and bringing the benefits of renewable energy to all communities.”

Partnership and Future Outlook for Affordable Solar Launches Cuidando Los Niños Solar Project

Affordable Solar has partnered with Gridworks, an Albuquerque-based firm with a track record of installing over 1.9 GW of renewable energy nationwide, to serve as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contractor. This partnership ensures the project, expected to become operational in the summer of 2025, will be completed to the highest standards. After facing initial delays since the 2021 legislation, the Cuidando Los Niños project now paves the way for a robust pipeline of community solar developments, positioning New Mexico as a growing leader in inclusive and sustainable energy.

Sources

1. Affordable Solar Breaks Ground on New Mexico’s First …
2. Affordable Solar
3. New Mexico’s First-Ever Community Solar Project Will …
4. New Mexico’s first community solar project begins …
5. After years of delays, New Mexico’s first community solar …
6. Affordable Solar launches NM’s first community solar project
7. First-ever community solar plant opens in Valencia County
8. New Mexico’s first-ever community solar project is complete