In alignment with its mission to elevate the communities within its operational sphere, SunShare has pledged more than $7 million in contributions to Navajo Technical University, the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women, and Habitat for Humanity. The formal event was attended by Dr. Elmer Guy and Abe Bitok.
“While this solar facility will supply clean energy, the partnership holds equal promise for creating meaningful economic and educational opportunities. It is my hope that this initiative collaborates with local non-profit organizations and equity partners to offer community-focused educational programs, solar facility tours, and technical training,” stated Dr. Elmer Guy, President of Navajo Technical University.
To celebrate this exciting milestone with all its community partners, SunShare hosted a ribbon-cutting event at its Juniper Sol Community Solar Garden in Santa Fe. The six-megawatt direct-current (MWdc) community solar garden reached commercial operation on July 1 and has begun producing renewable energy. Additionally, SunShare’s Rockhound Sol Community Solar Garden, a 4.5 MWdc solar farm in Deming, NM, was energized on the same day.
The celebration brought together hundreds of local subscribers and community leaders from across the state, including:
“People shouldn’t have to choose between putting gas in their car, paying for groceries, or paying their electricity bill. That’s why projects like this are so important. Juniper Sol is making the cost-saving benefits of renewable energy accessible to all, including renters and those who can’t afford the upfront installation of solar,” said Deb Haaland, Candidate for New Mexico Governor. “As we look to fight rising costs, we have an opportunity to expand creative and smart local projects like community solar.”
“Our nation’s electricity needs are rapidly growing, and the Juniper Sol project demonstrates how community-based solar can cost-effectively and quickly meet that demand. At the same time, these types of projects bring wide-ranging benefits, such as to the 2,000 families who are saving on electricity costs for the next 25 years with their subscriptions to this garden,” said David Amster-Olszewski, CEO and Founder of SunShare. “As we celebrate SunShare’s 15th anniversary with this dedication of Santa Fe County’s first community solar garden, SunShare is as committed as ever to advancing a clean and distributed renewable energy future.”
“SunShare’s support will strengthen our work to prevent violence, support survivors in New Mexico, and help create safer futures for Native women and children,” said Tiffany Jiron, Executive Director of the Coalition to Stop Violence Against Native Women. “This partnership demonstrates how renewable energy can generate lasting benefits not only for the environment, but also for our communities.”
+ The solar garden is 6 MWdc on 31 acres of land, the equivalent of powering nearly 2,000 homes and avoiding 261 million pounds of carbon dioxide.
+ The solar garden will incorporate agrivoltaic practices, including native, pollinator-friendly habitats under and around the solar panels.
+ 50% of the solar garden subscribers are income-qualified, some of whom reside in SunShare’s affordable housing partnerships with Yes! Housing and Catholic Charities. These subscribers will see meaningful reductions on their electric bills and reduce energy cost burdens.
We express our sincere gratitude to all attendees of the event, including distinguished guests: Lt. Governor Candidate Stephanie Garcia Richard, Public Regulation Commissioner Gabe Aguilera, and Senator Liz Stefanics.
SunShare remains resolute in its mission to drive positive change, advance clean energy solutions, and invest in indigenous communities. The company’s contributions exemplify the power of collective action and the potential of renewable energy to fuel transformation.
To learn more about SunShare’s work in New Mexico, visit mysunshare.com/community-solar-nm/
Dale Morgan
Communications Specialist
E: dmorgan@navajotech.edu