New Mexico Lands 48.4 MW of Community Solar in Eight-Project Deal

Pluma Construction, ForeFront Power, and Standard Solar have announced an eight-project community solar portfolio across New Mexico that will expand access to subscriber-based solar power.

Standard Solar acquired the projects, which have a total capacity of 48.4 megawatts (MW), and will serve as the long-term owner and operator, while Solstice Power Technologies, LLC will handle subscriptions and customer acquisition.

The projects are some of the first community solar sites to be delivered through New Mexico’s Community Solar Program. Within one year of completion, all eight projects will generate 103,287 megawatt-hours (MWh) of renewable energy.

Many sites within the portfolio are located on New Mexico State Land Trust land in partnership with the New Mexico State Land Office.

“Making New Mexico’s Community Solar Program a reality will greatly benefit residents across the state,” said Chris Pacheco, Pluma Construction Founder, in a statement. “This is a major step forward in the pursuit of a clean, affordable energy future in New Mexico. It’s great to partner with Forefront Power and now with Standard Solar and Solstice, who will be driving operations, subscriptions and customer acquisition. Their leadership will provide peace of mind for me and my fellow New Mexicans as these projects unfold.”

Bolstering the state’s community solar market comes after an expansion that adds 300 MW of new capacity under the statewide program cap.

From development and construction to long-term operations and subscriber enrollment, the projects serve as a model for scaling community solar in New Mexico.

Eric Partyka, Director of Business Development, Standard Solar, added, “As the long-term owner and operator, we’re grateful to work alongside Pluma and ForeFront to help bring this portfolio to commercial operation. We’re here for the duration, operating these sites with the discipline and reliability subscribers expect, so customers see consistent bill savings and communities get durable clean energy as the program scales.”

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