New Mexico Commissioner of Public Lands Stephanie Garcia Richard has approved long-term leases for six new community solar projects to be developed on state lands. The leases were awarded to the highest bidders during public auctions at the State Land Office in Santa Fe. Each project is projected to generate about 5 megawatts of solar energy, totaling 30 megawatts across all projects. This capacity can supply power to approximately 6,000 homes statewide.
Community solar initiatives provide access to solar energy benefits without requiring direct home installations. Commissioner Garcia Richard emphasized the importance of these projects due to their potential to offer cleaner electricity and reduced utility costs for New Mexicans.
The locations and awardees for the new projects are as follows: US Solar will develop on 40 acres in Doña Ana County and 30 acres in Valencia County; Pluma LLC will manage projects on 40 acres in Doña Ana County, 160 acres in Grant County, and 80 acres in Hidalgo County; SunShare will oversee an installation on 80 acres in Roosevelt County.
"Community solar projects bring clean, affordable energy directly to New Mexico customers," said Commissioner Garcia Richard. "I’m thrilled that state lands can play such an integral role in advancing access to renewable energy across the state."
In September 2024, a precedent was set with the approval of the first community solar project on state trust lands, followed by another lease approval two months later. These efforts align with the state's broader goal of expanding renewable energy access following the Community Solar Act passed in 2021.
The State Land Office plans further auctions soon, aiming to extend affordable clean energy access throughout New Mexico.
Commissioner Garcia Richard established the Office of Renewable Energy within the Commercial Resources Division at the State Land Office with a mission to significantly increase renewable energy leasing and production on state trust lands. Since its creation, renewable energy capacity under lease has surged from 400 megawatts when she took office in 2019 to approximately 2,745 megawatts today.
Stephanie Garcia Richard has led the New Mexico State Land Office since 2019, during which time it has generated over $11 billion for public institutions like schools and hospitals through various land uses including renewable energy development.
