Albuquerque Solar System Subscription.

What is Community Solar and how does it work?

Most homeowners are able to take advantage of the benefits of solar energy through individual rooftop or ground-mounted solar arrays on their property and directly attached to their electric meters. Community solar is different because it allows electric ratepayers to subscribe to local community solar arrays. These arrays can be up to 5-megawatts (approximately 40 acres), and all electric ratepayers have to do to take part is sign-up. In Albuquerque, community solar power increases access to solar energy for renters, multi-tenant buildings, and those who might be unable to install rooftop solar because of financial constraints or unsuitable rooftops. This means that a greater percentage of New Mexicans will be able to benefit from solar savings and have a positive impact on the environment. To check your eligibility for community solar, including options in New Mexico, please visit Solstice Community Solar Qualification.

Community solar became an opportunity in New Mexico in 2021 with the passage of the “Community Solar Act.” New Mexico is now the 21st state in the country to have community solar, accelerating our progress as renewable energy leaders.

1. No up-front capital or maintenance expense
– As a subscriber to a community solar array, you are not demanded to bear any up-front capital expense.
2. Savings on your monthly electric bill
– In New Mexico communities, such as Albuquerque, solar system subscriptions can be sized to supply 120% of your annual electricity consumption, and subscribers typically save 10-20% on their electricity bills.
3. No strings attached
– A community solar facility can be subscribed to for up to 25 years after, but you are able to cancel or transfer your subscription at any time.
4. Environmental Benefits
– Although community solar arrays are off-site, subscribers are generating and consuming clean solar energy.

How is community solar different?

Community solar is different because they are shared solar arrays, rather than individual or ground-mounted solar systems. A single array can be shared by families, small businesses, non- profit organizations, and religious institutions. All solar system subscribers in Albuquerque and throughout New Mexico receive benefits directly on their meters through virtual net-metering. This is when solar energy is virtually attributed directly to your energy meter based upon the size of your subscription to the community solar facility. Although the energy is generated off-site, your electricity is still coming from solar energy.

Do I qualify as a subscriber?

You can qualify as a solar system subscriber in Albuquerque or another New Mexican city if you are a renter, homeowner, small business, non-profit organization, or religious organization. You also have to be in the same electric service territory as where the community solar facility is located. This means that if you are a customer of PNM, the array has to be interconnected to PNM.
At this point of time, being a subscriber depends upon which electric utility your meter is connected to. If you are a customer of PNM, Xcel, or El Paso Electric, there will be greater access to community solar subscriptions than if you are a customer of a rural electric distribution cooperative. If you are unsure, fill out our contact form below and we can help.

How much can I save?

In New Mexico cities such as Albuquerque, community solar power subscriptions can be sized to supply 120% of your annual electricity consumption. Depending on the facility, there is some fee associated with the subscription, but subscribers typically have a net savings of 10-20% on their electricity bills.

Does community solar mean I cannot do rooftop solar?

You can have rooftop solar and storage and be a community solar power subscriber in Albuquerque or any other city in New Mexico. Affordable Solar can help evaluate your needs and interests to identify options that will best serve you.

When does the program open?

The New Mexico’s Public Regulation Commission is creating rules for the Community Solar Act to be completed by April 1, 2022. The rules will determine the project selection process, bill credit mechanism, consumer protections, and other guidelines. Affordable Solar is participating in this process to help ensure the success of the community solar power program in Albuquerque and beyond. We are excited to be involved because we believe a solar future is in the best interest of New Mexican  homeowners and local businesses.

If you have any questions, please contact us at 505-944-4220 and ask for Dylan Connelly.

What type of sites make a good candidate for a community solar array?

Community solar sites can range from 20 to 40 acres. Ideally, these sites are within one-quarter mile of a three-phase power line. You can determine these by a quick look at the wooden electric poles on or near the property, usually alongside a road. If the wooden poles have three black wires, they are three-phase power lines and potential sites for community solar arrays. If a wooden pole does not have three clear black wires, it is likely a single-phase power line. Single-phase lines could also be potential sites for community solar arrays, but might have greater technical constraints.

If you are a landowner interested in community solar power, please contact our Albuquerque team. We can help determine if the piece of land is suitable for a community solar array and next steps.