The Santa Fe Opera announced April 18 the successful installation of a 214-kilowatt solar power system at its campus north of Santa Fe.
The system, designed by Positive Energy Solar, consists of 431 solar panels at the Dapples Pavilion, Stieren Orchestra Hall, and a ground-mounted array that is currently under construction, according to a Santa Fe Opera press release.
“In a place where we have such abundant natural beauty, we take seriously our responsibility to care for the land and natural resources,” General Director, Robert Meya, said in the release. “With over 320 days of sunshine a year, Santa Fe is the ideal place to harness the power of the sun and we are absolutely thrilled to take advantage of this sustainable resource.”
The solar power system is expected to produce more than 400,000 kWh of clean energy each year, the release stated. The Santa Fe Opera expects to “save more than $1.3 million in electricity costs and reduce its emission of greenhouse gasses by 13 million pounds – the equivalent of planting 100,000 trees.”
The Opera has also installed new PVC piping through its stage floor. The piping will transfer water used in productions back into holding tanks beneath the theater. The tanks capture 80,000 gallons of rainwater each summer. The water is used for irrigation throughout the opera’s grounds.
“At the Santa Fe Opera, being an open-air venue, the landscape plays a leading role in each and every one of our productions," Meya said in the release. "Not only do we have a responsibility to care for our natural environment but transitioning to solar power aids the long-term financial health of the organization and helps to preserve both the art form and our beautiful setting for generations to come.”
The mission of the Santa Fe Opera, according to its website, is to “advance the operatic art form by presenting ensemble performances of the highest quality in a unique setting with a varied repertoire of new, rarely performed, and standard works; to ensure the excellence of opera’s future through apprentice programs for singers, technicians, and arts administrators; and to foster an understanding and appreciation of opera among a diverse public."