Seizing on the newly open community solar market in New Mexico, Prosperity Works and Chaberton Energy have started development on one project, with four additional projects awaiting approval.
The 2.8-MWDC Lake Jody project in Deming, New Mexico, is now under development. Lake Jody will power the equivalent of 650 New Mexico households in the PNM service territory, and will serve 50% low-income subscribers at a 30% discount.
The two organizations have aligned on community solar development based on shared values of supporting communities in need. Prosperity Works is a New Mexico nonprofit that sees community solar as one of the levers that can put money back in the pockets of low-income families.
“The Lake Jody project and others in the Prosperity Works portfolio show how community solar projects can provide significant benefits to low-income communities,” said Chuck Watkins, VP of development at Chaberton Energy. “We are proud to be doing this work, and excited to support affordable, clean energy for New Mexicans.”
The four projects on the waiting list are in Alamogordo, Belen, Lordsburg and Silver City in central and southwestern New Mexico, all are also in the PNM service territory. They have a combined electric generating capacity of 28 MWdc.
These projects are part of the New Mexico Community Solar Program, initiated under the Community Solar Act and signed into law in April 2021 by Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham. Overall, the state plans to add 500 MW of community solar.
News item from Prosperity Works