PNM dedicates solar energy center - Albuquerque Journal

PNM’s new solar energy center in Sandoval County has almost 80,000 solar panels. (Antonio Sanchez/Rio Rancho Observer)

The Public Service Company of New Mexico celebrated Sandoval County’s 80-acre solar energy center on Thursday, winning praise from local officials.

The PNM Sandoval County Solar Energy Center, located north of Northern Boulevard on Encino Road, houses approximately 75,590 solar panels and generates enough energy to serve 2,450 average customers.

Energy produced by the 6.4-megawatt solar energy center will be used for PNM’s user base, and not just for Sandoval County residents.

The dedication event on Thursday featured remarks from representatives of the county, the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Sandoval Economic Alliance.

The $16 million project began operating near the end of 2014 and, according to PNM, has resulted in an estimated $152,000 in construction-related tax revenue for the county.

Sandoval County Commissioner Glenn Walters thanked PNM for investing in the county.

“Alternative energy sources are somewhat the way of the future,” he said. “Obviously, it’s not the primary source of energy but it has potential as an alternative source that can be used.”

Paul Barabe, RRRCC vice president of member services, agreed with Walters, saying the investment was one made for the future of Rio Rancho and for energy.

“This is very impressive to be out here,” he said. “I think it’s something we need to look at in the future as we’re growing.”

PNM began planning and working on acquiring permits for the project in 2013; construction took place in 2014 over the course of three months.

Danielle Duran, PNM’s Albuquerque metro area manager, said work between PNM and Sandoval County went smoothly.

“We had a great experience with the planning and zoning commission,” she said. “We really appreciated all the assistance and support from the county manager, the county attorney, planning department. They didn’t just let us walk through, but they definitely helped us with the process.”

The new county solar energy center is part of PNM’s $270 million investment in solar energy, and is one of 15 solar energy centers planned to open throughout the state by the end of the year, she said. The next two centers PNM expects to open are in Santa Fe County and Bernalillo County.

Tiffany Avery, SEA director of marketing and communications, said the opening of the site was in line with SEA’s goals.

“This is a great step in the right direction with what we’re trying to do, by putting Sandoval County on the map,” she said.