The 6 MWdc Juniper Sol facility, which reached commercial operation on July 1, occupies 31 acres and provides enough capacity to power approximately 2,000 homes while offsetting 261 million pounds of carbon dioxide. Alongside the Santa Fe site, the company energized the 4.5 MWdc Rockhound Sol project in Deming, marking a significant expansion into the New Mexico market. Half of the subscriber base consists of income-qualified households, including those connected through partnerships with Yes! Housing and Catholic Charities, ensuring that renewable energy savings reach those most impacted by rising utility costs.
SunShare Energizes First Community Solar Gardens in New Mexico
Under the high desert sun in Santa Fe, a ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the launch of Juniper Sol, the first community solar garden in the county. The project, developed by SunShare and CSolPower, serves as a cornerstone for a broader initiative to deliver renewable energy to 2,000 local families.
Beyond the infrastructure, SunShare pledged $7.2 million in donations to Navajo Technical University, the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, and Santa Fe Habitat for Humanity. During the event, Deb Haaland, a candidate for New Mexico governor, noted that these community-based models provide a vital alternative for renters and residents unable to install private rooftop systems. The Juniper Sol site also incorporates agrivoltaic practices, maintaining native, pollinator-friendly habitats beneath the solar arrays to balance energy production with environmental stewardship.
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