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Las Cruces residents served by El Paso Electric can now subscribe to two operating solar projects through the state’s community solar program, giving customers another option to receive electric bill credits without installing solar panels on their homes or businesses.
The SLT Las Cruces and Wings for Life projects are among 16 community solar facilities currently operating across New Mexico, according to Patrick Rodriguez, public information officer for the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission.
Community solar allows multiple customers to subscribe to a shared solar facility instead of installing their own rooftop system. Subscribers continue receiving electricity through their utility while earning bill credits based on the energy produced by their share of the project. Customers also receive a separate bill from their community solar provider.
“It’s a multi-step process,” Rodriguez said in an email, referring to enrollment. “This information can be found on the Community Solar Program website.”
Residents enroll through an approved subscription manager serving their electric utility territory. The Community Solar Program website lists participating providers and explains how customers can sign up.
Standard Solar, the developer of the SLT Las Cruces project, said El Paso Electric customers are currently able to subscribe. The company said residential and commercial subscribers receive a 10% discount on bill credits, while qualifying low- and moderate-income subscribers receive a 28% discount.
Rodriguez said the state does not yet have subscriber counts for the two Las Cruces projects because enrollment varies. Together, the projects provide 10 megawatts of generating capacity.
State officials say the program is designed to expand access to renewable energy, particularly for customers who cannot install rooftop solar. Program guidelines require at least 30% of each project’s capacity to serve low-income families or qualifying organizations, though Rodriguez said every approved project voluntarily committed at least 50%.
According to the New Mexico Community Solar Program website, participating providers do not require upfront installation costs, credit checks or early termination fees.
A 2021 University of New Mexico study cited by the program estimates community solar will generate about $517 million in statewide economic benefits during its first five years while creating more than 3,700 jobs.
Before enrolling, state officials encourage customers to compare subscription managers, review contract terms and understand billing options, cancellation policies and estimated start dates for receiving bill credits.
Additional information about participating providers, consumer protections and enrollment is available at www.solstice.us
