After years of planning and a long-awaited launch of the state’s community solar program, New Mexico’s first-ever community solar project is ready to power up. The 5-MWAC Cuidando Los Niños Community Solar Project in Belin recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
In addition to providing clean electricity to subscribers, the project, developed by Affordable Solar, is supporting Cuidando Los Niños’ mission to break the cycle of childhood homelessness. As part of the celebration, Affordable Solar will present a $45,000 donation to the nonprofit.
“We are honored to bring the state’s first community solar project to life right here in Belen,” said Dylan Connelly, Project Developer at Affordable Solar. “Community solar is about more than clean energy — it’s about putting people first. By helping families save on their bills and supporting Cuidando Los Niños with this donation, we’re demonstrating the wide-ranging impact this program can have across New Mexico.”
New Mexico passed its community solar law in 2021, but the rollout has been delayed by regulatory proceedings and utility processes. The completion of the Cuidando Los Niños project shows that the program is finally moving forward, unlocking a pipeline of projects that will deliver savings and resilience to households statewide.
“This project proves that community solar works,” said Cory Felder, Mountain West Regional Director for the Coalition for Community Solar Access (CCSA). “It delivers affordable power, local investment, and community benefits in a way no other clean energy program can. New Mexico has been working toward this moment for years, and today we’re proud to see the vision becoming reality.”
The Cuidando Los Niños project is fully subscribed, thanks in part to the efforts of community solar subscription provider Solstice, ensuring that New Mexicans, especially those who otherwise could not install solar, can benefit from renewable energy. Importantly, 50% of the project’s energy production is reserved to support qualified low-income households, directly lowering electricity bills for some of the state’s most vulnerable residents.
News item from Affordable Solar
