Green Leaders

Renewable Energy

The County is proud to be doing our share to be a part of the global transition to renewable energy. The electricity associated with our operations is on track to be well over 50% renewable by 2025, in line with the 2045 date of New Mexico's Energy Transition Act. Santa Fe County now has 18 facilities that are equipped with solar panels with a combined production of 1.6 megawatts:

• Buckman Direct Diversion Water Treatment Plant (County’s 50% share is 500 kW)
• Buckman Direct Diversion Booster Station 2A (County’s 50% share 750 kW)
• Steven Herrera Judicial Complex (113 kW)
• San Marcos Solid Waste Convenience Center (0.5 kW)
• Tesuque Fire Station #1 (6.1 kW)
• Chimayo Fire Station #1 (4.1 kW)
• Pojoaque Fire Station #1 (8.1 kW)
• Turquoise Trail Fire Station #1 (7.8 kW)
• Arroyo Hondo Fire Station #2 (10.1 kW)
• Agua Fria Fire Station #2 in La Tierra (8.8 kW)
• Edgewood Fire Station #1 (31.9 kW)
• Nancy Rodriguez Community Center (12 kW)
• Nambe Solid Waste Convenience Center (0.5 kW)
• County Administration Building at 100 Catron Street (15 kW)
• Adam/Coll Senior and Community Center in Eldorado (71 kW)
• Agua Fria Fire Station #1 (15 kW)
• Fairground Exhibition Hall (15 kW)
• La Cienega Regional Fire Station at 37 Rancho Viejo Blvd. (63 kW)

The PV systems produce nearly 2.5 million kWh of energy annually, which is equivalent to the CO2 emissions from 4.3 million miles driven by a passenger car, or the amount of carbon sequestered by 2,280 acres of U.S. forests in one year. This renewable energy powers services such as fire stations, senior centers, community centers, and provides clean drinking water.

In 2020 alone, the County's PV systems saved residents over $300,000. Moreover, these systems reduce approximately 1,925 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year, improving air quality in New Mexico and increasing our climate resiliency.

Sustainability Awards

2020 - SolSmart Bronze

2020 - PNM Business Energy Efficiency Star Award for New Construction