kit carson community solar

Residents of Taos County, New Mexico now have access to an innovative new source of renewable energy: the Kit Carson Community Solar project. A true game changer, this cutting-edge technological marvel is located on Taos Pueblo land and is the first of its kind in the state. Clean and affordable energy are now just a few solar panels away, thanks to this revolutionary development in renewable energy.

KCEC, the local utility, partnered with the Taos Pueblo Tribe to bring the Kit Carson Community Solar project to fruition. This project features a 12-megawatt solar array with over 60,000 panels that promise enough electricity to power up to 3,000 households. Constructed and managed by KCEC, this array was developed and constructed by the renowned solar energy specialists at SunPower.

Renewable energy is making remarkable progress in New Mexico, and this project has been a prime example. It has injected life into the regional economy with growth and jobs, creating more than 350 positions during build-out and a predicted 1,000 permanent roles post-completion. This boon is expected to deliver $20 million in economic activity to the area.

By owning and using the solar array, the region can now fend for its own energy needs, eliminating reliance on imported fossil fuels. This convenient switch of energy sources not only helps keep electricity bills low for the local populace but also reduces hazardous emissions spewed from burning fossil fuels.

The Kit Carson Community Solar project illustrates the possibilities of a joint effort from municipalities, commercial enterprises, and individuals to devise a renewable energy system. People are discovering the potential of solar power to revolutionize the way our nation accesses energy and this initiative is proof that a greener, more cost-effective energy landscape is within reach. By launching initiatives like this, we are forging a path towards a brighter energy future for all.

In 2012, the small community of Taos, New Mexico joined forces with Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC) to launch Kit Carson Community Solar – the largest community-owned solar energy project in the United States. This project has since benefited the local area with its environmentally-friendly notions, supplying clean and renewable energy to bring about financial and ecological stability.

In 2010, the Taos community had a clear vision of making the area more energy-efficient and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. To make this happen, they proposed the Kit Carson Community Solar project that would provide affordably-priced renewable energy for the local community. This project was backed by generous aid from both private and public sources, among which included allocations from the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission as well as the U.S. Department of Energy.

Two specially designed solar arrays, located within the Taos County region, have harnessed plenty of potential electricity. With a tremendous capacity of 6 MW, these arrays possess photovoltaic (PV) panels which absorb sunlight then convert it directly into electricity. This energy is then transmitted to the nearby community through the local power grid operated by Kit Carson Electric Cooperative.

Launched eight years ago, the Kit Carson Community Solar initiative has been a resounding success for the local area by providing sizable savings of over one million dollars in energy costs. Not just that, but the project has also created much-needed job opportunities for residents while diminishing the township’s reliance on non-renewable and polluting fossil fuels.

The locals have taken their own measures to affect their environment in a positive way. The project installed solar energy panels which, being clean and renewable, do not emit any carbon, thereby lessening the local impact of climate change and decreasing the levels of air pollution.

The pioneering work of the Kit Carson Community Solar project has encouraged many other communities across the country to take initiative and implement their own solar energy plans. Pecos, Texas bravely ventured forward in 2013 and began its own project. This courageous step has allowed the town to decrease reliance on non-renewable resources, paving a greener future for generations to come.

The Kit Carson Community Solar project is a shining example of the immense potential of locally owned renewable energy sources. These facilities – integral in our shift to smart, clean energy – are a valuable asset for decreasing our reliance on fossil fuels. Furthermore, these initiatives bring forth both economic gain and environmental benefits to neighborhoods across the country – making them an attractive option for any city wishing to modernize their energy use.

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