Three companies are collaborating to build an eight-project, 48.4-MW community solar portfolio in New Mexico. These arrays are among the first being built in New Mexico’s new community solar program.
A 7-MW community solar project in Tularosa, New Mexico. Pluma Construction
Pluma Construction from New Mexico is developing the community solar portfolio with support from ForeFront Power. Standard Solar acquired the projects and will own and operate them once completed. Solstice Power Technologies will handle customer subscriptions during operations.
“Making New Mexico’s Community Solar Program a reality will greatly benefit residents across the state,” said Chris Pacheco, founder of Pluma Construction. “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.”
The projects will be built across both public and private land — including several located on land belonging to the New Mexico State Land Trust. The first few projects have been completed, and the rest are expected to come online throughout the year.
“New Mexico’s community solar market is moving fast, and the real milestone is getting projects into operation so they can start generating power and providing savings on subscribers’ monthly electric bills,” said Eric Partyka, director of business development, Standard Solar. “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.”
The first community solar project in New Mexico was completed in October by Affordable Solar of Texas. The state enacted a community solar law in 2021, but it was slow to start up due to regulatory and utility hurdles.
News item from Standard Solar
